Vintage Notes: The Livermore Valley experienced an unusually wet winter followed by a cool, fog-kissed spring in 2023.  This led to a delayed start of the season by nearly two weeks, providing abundant soil moisture and lush canopy growth. A mild summer with steady temperatures and minimal heat spikes encouraged slow ripening and the development of deep color, polished tannins, and bright acidity. A brief Labor Day heat spike nudged the fruit toward ideal ripeness, followed by light, inconsequential rain. Harvest stretched into November for Touriga Nacional and Souzão. Cooler days and long hang time also improved aromatic clarity, preserving floral notes in Touriga and lifting spicy tones in Souzão.

The Wine: Our 2023 Sláinte Red Blend shows a deep garnet hue. Aromas of black cherries, blackberries, and black currants lead the way, accompanied by juicy plums, rose petals, and a warm medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Earthy tones of dry soil, cedar, oregano, tarragon, and tobacco bring a grounded complexity to the nose.  On the palate, the wine is rich and fruit-driven, with flavors of black cherries, blackberries, black currants, and plum unfolding in generous layers. Bright acidity provides lift and balance, while well-integrated tannins lend structure without overpowering. The finish is long and persistent, carried by the intensity of dark fruit and the wine’s natural freshness.  This deeply flavorful blend pairs beautifully with bacon-wrapped blue cheese bites, where the wine’s dark fruit and spice cut through richness and elevate every savory bite. It’s a celebration in a glass—fittingly named Sláinte, an Irish toast to health and good cheer.

Awards

2022 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast | 94 pts

2021 Vintage

Women's International | Gold - 94pts

Harvest Challenge | Best of Class & Best of Livermore AVA - Gold 

San Francisco Chronicle | Gold 

Wine Enthusiast | 90 pts 

2020 Vintage

Harvest Challenge | Gold