Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% Estate fruit - 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
Winemaker Notes
This vintage continues the legacy of Three Palms with a beautifully expressive and polished Merlot. It opens with alluring aromas of Bing cherries, huckleberry cobbler, crushed rose petals and raspberry jam, accented by subtle notes of bay leaf and graham cracker. On the palate, vibrant fruit and full bodied weight are framed by silken tannins, with flavors of cherry and molasses carried by energetic acidity and the vineyard’s hallmark minerality through the long, refined finish.
Production
In 2023, heavy winter and spring rains delayed budbreak and set the stage for one of the latest vintages in decades. Cooler spring temperatures led to an extended flowering period with our team applying post-veraison thinning to achieve a balanced crop. As the season progressed, temperatures remained below average, which provided additional hangtime but required extra patience. Our patience paid off, with 2023 offering one of our most unique and rewarding vintages to date! Semillon harvest began on August 28th with Sauvignon Blanc soon following. With no significant heat events, the grapes were able to ripen beautifully. Harvest concluded on November 9th with Cabernet Sauvignon from Oak Knoll and Howell Mountain. Our 2023 whites are crisp, with ideal flavor development and bright acids, and the reds are pure, supple and balanced, with vibrant acidity, fresh flavors, and intense colors.