THE WINE
The 2024 season kept us on our toes. Cool weather during fruit set meant Pinot yields were down almost 50%. With not enough fruit for our usual Bassi bottling, we turned to the small, biodynamically farmed Chêne Vineyard in Edna Valley. And honestly, we couldn’t be happier that we did.
The wine is all juicy plums and red berries, lifted by a savory streak of chaparral herbs and a salty edge that tastes like the sea air rolling in over the vines. It’s vibrant, earthy, and unmistakably coastal. 100 cases produced.
FERMENTATION
Grapes were hand harvested with an average of 35% of whole bunches retained. Fermentation took place by native yeast with no addition of SO2. A combination of gentle pumpovers and punchdowns were performed until the fermentation was complete and the must was basket pressed. Malolactic conversion was by native bacteria.
ÉLEVAGE
Aged 10 months in neutral French oak barrels prior to bottling unfined & unfiltered. Minimal effective SO2 added prior to bottling.
VINTAGE
The 2024 vintage began in late August after a cool, foggy summer along the SLO Coast. Poor weather during flowering resulted in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yields that were 40-50% below average, while Rhone varieties fared slightly better. Despite the low yields and cool growing season, the wines produced are concentrated yet elegant, promising a stellar lineup.