The 2022 Vintage in Paso Robles
July 15, 2024
As another harvest approaches, our hearts are filled with gratitude for this season, our members, and all the wonderful moments this year has brought so far. From planting our estate to previewing our 2022 reds, this summer season has been marked with several exciting moments. As we prepare for the 2024 Fall Release, here is a deeper insight into the 2022 vintage and the process and elements behind it.
The 2022 vintage in Paso Robles was a challenging vintage and many refer to it as a “winemaker’s vintage.” It brought a number of difficulties that required talented winemakers’ expertise, flexibility, and fast problem-solving to produce beautiful wine. For instance, this season had both heat and frost extremes with little rainfall. Most of the season’s rainfall was received in December 2021, with the season totaling just over 11 inches. This was below the average annual 14 inches yet again, leading us to irrigate our vines and pay close attention to their needs.
The weather warmed up sooner than anticipated with bud break, flowering, and berry formation all happening fast. Paso Robles received two separate heat waves during the summer. The first began in mid-August and lasted seven days, with temperatures reaching between 100 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit each day. We had a small break before the big heat wave around Labor Day, where temperatures reached between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 days straight.
Veraison—when the berries change color—started in early July and moved at such rapid speeds that Guillaume had to pivot his harvest plans.
Due to the heat, harvest was not only expedited but early. We began picking grapes at the end of August and picked a majority of the fruit within three weeks.
Our 2022 harvest began with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for Contrast and Grenache for L’Essor, which we picked two weeks early, allowing them to avoid the second heat wave. Shortly after the second heat wave, we harvested Mourvèdre, Carignan, Grenache, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah in Paso Robles and Edna Valley.
Amidst the adversity, our vine’s resiliency and Guillaume’s talent and expertise shone through. At the end of the harvest, we were grateful to be able to maintain relatively the same yield as the year before despite smaller clusters from the cool spring and lower cluster weight from the summer heat.
The grapes managed to retain their essential acidity, thanks to Paso Robles's diurnal temperature shifts. This was also thanks to typical summer temperatures at the start of summer that allowed the vines to grow adequate canopies, despite the cool spring temperature. The juxtaposition of hot days and cool nights (dropping to 65 degrees Fahrenheit or lower on average during the heat waves) contributed to the development of silky tannins, giving the wines a velvety texture and mouthfeel.
As a result, the 2022 vintage in Paso Robles embodies a balance between fruit intensity and structure. Our 2022 reds are marked with smoothness and complexity and promise to evolve gracefully with age.
We invite you to celebrate with us as we release this vintage and join us for a tasting. Let’s raise a glass to overcoming adversity and Paso Robles wine. Cheers to the 2022 vintage—a testament to the artistry and spirit of Paso Robles winemaking.