Harvest time is here again in Carneros, and we couldn’t be more excited! This season, we’re bringing in Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Vermentino, and Albariño. Here’s a quick update on how things are looking as we start picking these grapes along with photos of how they are looking out at the vineyard.
Pinot Noir – The Clonal Star of Las Brisas
Pinot Noir is the big one for us. Carneros is known for producing some amazing Pinot, and this year’s crop is looking great. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Brix and have started picking some clones in Las Brisas that have hit the right Brix. The grapes are nice and ripe, with a good balance of flavor and acidity. Can’t wait to see how this translates into the bottle in a couple of years!
Pinot Blanc – Our First Pick
Pinot Blanc doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but it’s really shining this year. The grapes are crisp and full of citrus notes, with a little minerality coming through. We picked it earlier to keep that freshness for sparkling wines.
Chardonnay – A Classic in Carneros
Chardonnay is a staple in this region, and for good reason. The cool climate here lets the fruit ripen slowly, giving us a nice balance of tropical fruit flavors with a hint of citrus. We have only just started picking this wine, and once it’s ready, it will have just the right amount of richness while still feeling fresh.
Riesling – A Pleasant Surprise
Riesling might not be the first grape you think of for Carneros, but we’ve had some great luck with it at Las Brisas. This year, the fruit is super aromatic, with lots of stone fruit and a touch of floral notes.
Vermentino – A Fresh Addition
Vermentino isn’t something you see everywhere, but we have been growing it since 1998 and it really loves the coastal Carneros climate. The grapes are bright and zesty, with plenty of citrus and a little herbaceous edge. We have started picking it and see it being a bright and fresh wine when it’s ready to release next year. It’s a fun wine that stands out from the more traditional varietals.
Albariño – The Vibrant One
Albariño is another grape that’s thriving in Carneros thanks to the cool, breezy climate. This year’s crop is showing off some intense aromatics—think peach, citrus, and a hint of saltiness. We are slowly starting to harvest it to keep that acidity nice and vibrant, so it should be a real crowd-pleaser when releases next year alongside the Vermentino.
Overall, the 2024 harvest is looking fantastic. Every grape is showing its own unique character, and we can’t wait to see how they all turn out. Stay tuned as we move from harvest to crush and start turning these grapes into wine. And peep below to Ken, our Winemaker, having fun in the cellar!
