Growing Conditions

A very cool winter with just over half of our yearly rainfall transitioned to a cool spring that caused a later than normal bud break. May through July was temperate with below average daytime highs. August and September temperatures were 20% higher than normal with two record heat spells in mid August and early September. Our coastal moisture pushed the smoke from Napa and Big Sur fires high in the sky. The orange tinted marine layer shielded the grapes from the summer sun and smoke in a surprising boost to late summer ripening conditions. Harvest started September 9th and was wrapped
by October 15th. 2020 was solid vintage overall on the West side of Paso Robles. Fruit quality was high with welcomed lower than normal acids.

Winemaking

Each lot was harvested separately and fermented in a selection of concrete and stainless steel. Hand sorted and placed into tank for several days of cold soaking. 3-4 weeks of fermentation with light pump overs and daily tastings to analyze extraction and tannin. Basket pressed at near dry upon the preferred level of tannin and extraction and barreled into a selection of used French barriques for 15 months.