The 2015 California grape harvest has been one we will remember for a long time. It has been marked by low yields, heat, fire and now rain. Several of our vineyards were completely wiped out. It is with much sadness that I inform you that no Chardonnay was harvested off of Heron Lake this year, and one full acre at Brosseau produced only 600 lbs of Syrah. Yet amidst the chaos there is still beauty as vineyards that did manage to run the gauntlet of 2015 show early signs of quality – tiny berries and intense concentration paired with tremendous natural acidity at levels I have not seen before in California. It has not been a dull year.
Release Info
- Offers will run from September 16th – October 3rd or until sold out.
- Offers will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis, so place your order promptly.
- Wish List – If you do not receive an offer or wish to order additional bottles, please use this feature to request bottles should they become available when the offer ends.
- Orders will be shipped the week of October 12th unless otherwise requested, allow 3-7 days for delivery.
- We will host a “pick-up party” for members to come taste wines and pick up their orders. Dates and details will be provided soon.
The Wines
2013 was an important step for us. I left my position at Failla Wines in May, and the 2013 harvest marked the first vintage in which the Enfield wines were my sole focus. I am very proud of all of the 2010, 11 & 12 wines we have released, but I also believe that starting with the 2013 vintage the wines are beginning to find their voice and are the best we have released to date. I hope this shows through in your glass as well.
2014 Citrine Chardonnay – California – 9 barrels produced
12.5% Alc. – $28
Our first blend, centered on a 40 year old own-rooted vineyard in the Sierra Foothills that came very close to burning to the ground last week.
Golden sunshine, cool white marble, beeswax, crisp asian pear, fresh mown hay
Drink Now
2013 Heron Lake Chardonnay – Wlid Horse Valley – 6 barrels produced
Quartz and mixed volcanic soils – 13.3% Alc. – $35
Upon first sip the 2013 displays the more structural elements of Heron Lake – acidity, marine influence and minerality. Yet with just a few moments in the glass the wine begins to show its softer side, its “ethereal sweetness”, texture on the palate and a long, lingering finish. I think this is the best Heron Lake to date.
Brioche, hazelnut, salt, quartz, chamomile, ripe melon
Drink: Now – 2020
2013 Haynes Syrah – Coombsville, Napa Valley – 5 barrels produced
Cobblestones, loam and volcanic ash – 13% Alc. – $45
Words that come to mind when describing the Haynes vineyard are “deep” and “noble” and the 2013 walks the tightrope of elegance and power as well as any wine we have released. Aromatic from the first pour and more expressive on the palate than the 2012, the soil sings in the 2013 with the familiar interplay of red and black fruit, floral and savory aromatics, and the long smoldering finish and ultra-fine tannins of volcanic ash.
Lychee, red raspberry, black tea, rhubarb, graphite, black olive, violet
Drink: 2016 – 2025
Categorized in: From the Vineyard, Wines