2023 Pinot Gris

The winter prior to the 2023 season saw several cold events where temperatures dipped below critical bud health values. There were many predictions of primary and possible secondary bud death. Bud break started on April 28th but was uneven and many primary buds were, as predicted, dead. Spring was cool but by late April the weather was warming up. May was nice and warm as was the remainder of the summer. The volume of fruit was down significantly in our vineyards which resulted in a slightly early harvest date. The Pinot Gris was picked on September 11th in our River Rock Vineyard. Our predicted tonnage was about half of normal and we were able to purchase some additional Pinot Gris from a vineyard in Kaleden. The vines were farmed sustainably with particular care and attention to canopy and water management. Harvest decisions were based on winemaker’s personal preference with particular attention to sugar/acid balance and flavor. All River Rock vineyard has south facing slopes where soils are composed of rock, sand, and gravel laid down during the last glacial recession which imparts a noticeable minerality to River Stone wines.