The 2022 growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands began with a slightly later than usual bud break, with a bloom period that was generally warm and dry, which promoted even fruit set. The “main event”, so to speak, was a prolonged heat wave that began on Labor Day Weekend and lasted for several days. Leaning upon lessons we’ve learned by being in the same vineyards over the past two decades in the Santa Lucia Highlands, we picked the fruit prior to any dehydration set in, promoting freshness and balance. The quality of the 2022 vintage wines from Santa Lucia Highlands are impressive – the signature acidity of SLH sails through the finish, balancing the weight and richness of the fruit. Harvest was fast and furious, with all the fruit coming in over a two week period – but the wines show excellent balance and seamlessness.