Vintage 2021 for SHARE A SPLASH wine co. started off unexpectedly early as drought, warm temperatures, and a light crop conspired to ripen fruit in early August.
When we began our early berry sampling to assess ripeness we were in disbelief at the relatively high Brix (sugar) readings but tasting verified that maturity was just around the corner and our excitement to commence the vintage set in…
Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley kicked off our season with rosé grenache grapes, followed closely by fruit from Russian River, Mendocino, Sonoma Valley, and Carneros with only the Alexander Valley holding out on us until early October. For all the warm, dry weather there was an abrupt shift to chilly nighttime temperatures during the final week of September.
For many of us the biggest shock of the season was the astonishingly light crop in many varieties. Though several blocks came in on-target for estimates there were equally as many that surprised us with yields less than half of what we were anticipating. While this made for some head scratching and consternation we were grateful for the clear skies, lack of fire, and all that we were able to bring in.
For many of us in California’s North Coast the biggest shock of the season was the astonishingly light crop in many varieties. Though several blocks came in on-target for estimates there were equally as many that surprised us with yields less than half of what we were anticipating. While this made for some head scratching and consternation there simply is not much that can be done to remedy a shortfall and we were grateful for the clear skies, lack of fire, and all that we were able to bring in.
The young wines are lively and flavorful, rich with fruit and focused on acidity, tannins are firm and round, and aromas are lifted, fresh, and clean. Chardonnay and our red wines are now resting in tank and barrel undergoing secondary fermentation and 2021 A&C rosé is in its early stages of blending in preparation for an early bottling and release!
We are over the moon about this vintage and looking forward to sharing it!
Yoav (Founder) and Ondine (Head Winemaker)
