Field Note Friday – From the Cellar
The 2024 vintage is in the middle of an important milestone this week: its second big racking. Racking is one of those quiet, behind-the-scenes tasks that make a world of difference in how a wine develops. It’s the process of gently moving the wine from one barrel to another, leaving the sediment (or “lees”) behind.
Why go through all this trouble? Over time, the lees can contribute off-flavors or muddy the brightness of the wine. By racking, we’re giving the young wine a chance to breathe, clarify, and show its true character. Each racking also softens tannins and allows the wine to integrate, developing those layered textures and aromas we all look forward to.
The 2024s are really starting to show their personalities now—deep, fresh fruit notes and that lovely balance we aim for in every vintage. Standing in the cellar this week, tasting from barrel, I can already imagine how these wines will come together a year or two from now.
Racking and tasting also give us a chance to reflect on the choices we made last year—what worked, what we can fine-tune. It’s all about learning, experimenting, and pushing forward, always looking for new ways to let our vineyards shine even brighter.
Thanks for following along with us each Friday. It’s a privilege to share these steps with you, and I can’t wait for you to taste the results when these wines are ready for your glass.
– Hoss Milone, Winemaker
Highlights from this week’s Field Note Friday:
- The 2024 vintage is undergoing its second big racking.
- Racking means moving wine from one barrel to another, leaving sediment (lees) behind.
- This process improves clarity, freshness, and aroma while preventing off-flavors.
- Racking also softens tannins and helps the wine develop smoother textures.
- The 2024 wines are starting to show bright fruit notes and balance.
- We’re also re-evaluating vineyard and cellar decisions to improve the next vintage.
