The 2021 growing season commenced with bud break in mid-March after a cold, dry winter. Very windy conditions during flowering led to below-average fruit set. Classically cool Central Coast temperatures continued throughout the growing season, punctuated by brief heat waves that moved ripening along. The SLS harvest began in mid-September with sparkling base from Pelio and concluded abruptly in late October with Tondré syrah, preceding a rain event that delivered a couple inches to select sites. The ‘21 wines are characterized by low alcohol, bright acidity, and structure making for cellar-worthy wine. This is certainly one of the best SLS vintages yet.
Vintage 2020 commenced with bud break in mid to late March, after a winter of normal temperatures and rainfall around 30% below average. Most of this rainfall was concentrated in December (promoting healthy root growth), as well as March and April (promoting vigorous early shoot growth). Temperatures through the mid season were average to above average, leading to heat waves in August, September, and October. The biggest challenge was circumventing the looming threat of wildfires, sparked by the first heatwave and lightning showers mid August. While the SLS vintage was quite small due to these issues, the resulting wines are similar in character to those of 2017- the whites lean and pure with medium acid, the reds ripe yet classy.
