The Santa Lucia Highlands is usually cool and windy – and 2023 was the coolest we’ve seen for a long while. The Winter and Spring provided more rain than SLH has seen for well over two decades, delaying bud break by an entire month. Thus, the vines tracked later the entire season and harvest was three to four weeks later than average, with harvest beginning in October. The signature of 2023 is impeccable balance. Bright flavors, soft tannins, fresh acid and loads of personality derived from their place of origins. After a warm 2022 vintage, the 2023 wines are a textbook counterpoint that is representative of a long, cool season. The vintage was certainly a test of patience, but our team is thrilled with the quality of the 2023 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs!