Thoughts from our team
2023 Vintage and Harvest Recap
“After a long growing season, both vineyard growers and producers were blessed with a classic Napa vintage. Tracking as a later harvest, the rains and heat held off and we were rewarded with ideal October growing conditions allowing for all grapes to fully mature and be methodically harvested. Early signs show very balanced and focused wines.”
– Patrick Nyeholt, Associate Winemaker
An Extended Journey to an Excellent Vintage
The 2023 harvest at ELLMAN began in early September for our Sauvignon Blanc and Musque blocks and in mid-October for our Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blocks. When looking at prior years, we can see a month to a month and a half of more hang time for the clusters.
The extended harvest time frame this year was attributed to the uniquely cool spring and summer which proved to be a blessing in disguise. The longer ripening period allowed the fruit sets to develop slowly and evenly, gifting us wines with harmonious acidity, vibrant flavors, and intensely perfumed aromatics.
The Perfect Balance of Nature
The 2023 growing season was typified by cool, refreshing temperatures (an average growing temperature of 66°) and ample rainfall (approximately 25 inches of rain in Napa Valley), creating the perfect environment for grape development. After years of drought, this winter's downpours can be considered a real gift. With little heat stress, we were fortunate to have tempered and even ripening to help each grape reach its full potential.
A Cut Above the Rest
The fruit harvested in 2023 was of incredible quality. With small berries, intense concentration, and high sugar and acidity levels, this is the hallmark of an outstanding vintage and certain to produce wines that will age with grace and develop into timeless wine that defines this region we call home.
A Vintage Worth the Wait
Napa Valley's winemakers are ecstatic about the 2023 vintage, proclaiming it to be one of the finest in recent memory. The wines are expected to be full-bodied and bursting with complex flavors and aromas, making them the quintessential Napa style.
With harvest under wraps, our wines are now resting in barrel. We plan on bottling our 2023 ELLMAN | Caryn Renae Sauvignon Blanc in February with a late March to early April release. Our reds will see much more time in barrel, approximately 22-24 months, with an anticipated release in 2026. With much of the community saying this will be one of the most memorable in recent history, we are sure your patience is sure to pay off.