Our longest tenured single vineyard wine, the single vineyard Fiddlestix was first made in 2008 (though we bought grapes back in 2006 here as well). This venerable vineyard was planted by pioneering winemaker Kathy Joseph in 1998. Since then, it has gone on to become a stalwart member of the Sta Rita Hills appellation. Across the road from Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada and just below Sea Smoke and Rita’s Crown, Fiddlestix forms an integral part of the “goldilocks zone”, just close enough to the ocean to be cooled by wind and fog, but far enough away to obtain sunshine and warmth from the abundant sunshine. Kathy sold the vineyard after the 2021 harvest, to a fantastic ownership group, and we have been able to retain (and in some cases expand) our holdings in various blocks. The future looks bright here.
The 2022 vintage was full of surprises including a string of intense heat waves; however, with daily attention to the vineyard and grape conditions, we were able to pick at almost perfect ripeness, before the most intense heatwave hit. The grapes were then fermented with 15% whole clusters and the wine aged on its lees for 19 months in French oak barrels (33% new). Bottling was unfined & unfiltered.
We are extremely happy with this wine, as we had to be deft and decisive during harvest, and we simply nailed the pick dates. The wine has truly remarkable natural acidity for the vintage. Whole clusters also provide complexity and width to the structure. This wine should drink well young but will also age on its flawless balance. Drink 2025-2034.
The 2022 wine has not yet been rated, but the 2021 was 95 points Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck.