How did 2023 Harvest stack up?

Though the growing season had little rain, the fruit was outstanding. Yields were down from LDV Winery’s average because of the late freeze on April 11 when temperatures dipped to 20 degrees. It impacted all varieties especially the Viognier grapes. We got a nice yield from the other grape varieties. The Petite Sirah was exceptional. 

The timing for picking was normal though unexpected because bud break was so late. We harvested Viognier first in late August, then Syrah, followed by Grenache, and ending with Petite Sirah on September 19. We were not able to produce a co-ferment wine due to the timing of grape ripening or a dessert wine from this vintage.

From this vintage, LDV will produce one or two distinctive styles of Viognier, Syrah, Rosé of Grenache, Red Blend, and several styles of Grenache and Petite Sirah. In comparison to previous years, the 2023 harvest ranked on a scale of 1 to 10 (with ten extraordinary): Fruit Quality – 10; Quantity – 4. Curt Dunham, LDV Winemaker discusses the 2023 Harvest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2X95Bx_28s.