Winemaking Update
ANDY ROBINSON | WINEMAKER
As we step into 2024, I hope this message finds you in the best of spirits, full of excitement for the year ahead. In the heart of our winery, a treasure trove awaits: our 2023 vintage is evolving with elegance within the quiet corners of our cellar.
This month, we are excited to release the first of our 2022 vintage. But first, let’s take a moment to delve into the story of our 2022 vintage and what made it so memorable. The 2022 growing season began with significantly below average winter rainfall totals which led directly into a prolonged frost season lasting late into April. Seghesio vineyards escaped mostly unscathed and launched into a slight cooling trend for May and June. This put the growing schedule closer to average helping to push back our veraison timing and projected harvest dates. July and August warmed up significantly and some vineyards sustained some sunburn due to exposure. This was just a preamble! Harvest commenced in late August and Labor Day Week witnessed record shattering high temperatures in excess of 118° F in Northern Alexander Valley while still reaching 115° in Santa Rosa High Plains. These scorching temperatures pushed ripening and increased stress on vineyards leading to one of the fastest harvests on record for Seghesio Family Vineyards. The grapes harvested were of exceptional quality, with intense flavors and balanced acidity, promising a vintage that truly reflects the distinct character of Sonoma Valley.
The February club release features the 2022 vintage of Barbera, Todd Brothers Zinfandel, and Keyhole Zinfandel. Our Barbera is sourced 100% from our estate Home Ranch Vineyards in Alexander Valley, planted in 1997. We aim to make a Barbera that celebrates the grape’s naturally vibrant acidity, bright fruit, and juicy texture, that make it endlessly food friendly and the perfect wine for your family table. Vibrant and aromatic on the nose, this vintage features a medley of wild berries and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is juicy yet richly layered with notes of fresh blueberry creamsicle, dried sage and a hint of licorice. It’s fruity acidity and lively finish are lengthened by a light grip of tannins. This wine is terrific with pizza, herbed poultry and game, and roasted root vegetables.
The next wine featured this month is our 2022 Keyhole Ranch Zinfandel. Our Keyhole Ranch estate vineyard in Russian River Valley boasts a unique microclimate that is tempered by the cool climate. Its aroma of vanilla, plum, baking spice, and heather offers a complex and layered experience. On the palate, briary red raspberry flavors add to the wine’s juicy, supple, and vibrant character. The wine’s rich profile includes the same flavors found on the nose, making it a well-crafted and complex wine that pairs perfectly with hearty dishes from grilled leg of lamb to cannellini bean cassoulet with fennel sausage, pancetta, and smoked pork shanks.
The final release this month is our 2022 Todd Brothers Zinfandel. Todd Brothers Ranch extends over the rolling hills above the town of Geyserville in the Alexander Valley and was planted in 1958. Thick, head-trained vines wind up a steep slope of shallow, red volcanic soil that limits yields and increases concentration in the small berries that these vines struggle to produce. The refined intensity and opulent structure are hallmarks of this extraordinary vineyard, farmed today by third- and fourth generation Todd family members. The 2022 vintage features inviting notes of black cherry, red plum, and star thistle, leading to a juicy, luscious, mid-palate, and brilliant finale. Concentrated, and richly structured, this wine can be aged for 10 to 15 years. Enjoy with braised red meat and roasted wild mushrooms.
All three releases are tasting beautifully, and we can’t wait for you to add them to your collection.
Salute,
Andy Robinson
