The 2022 was defined by a record breaking heat event over a ten day period surrounding labor day. We experienced some of the hottest days (and nights) we have seen in our 40 plus years of farming in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our harvest team worked tirelessly to bring in the bulk of our fruit in a two week window; for comparison, that window is often six to eight weeks in length. Yields were already lower due to a very late frost weather event that spring, damaging the young inflorescences. The intense heat further reduced our crop, especially in our nearly ripe Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While the quantities are greatly reduced the wines are undoubtedly delicious. The vintage is more forward and sit on larger frames than is our norm. They are drinking very well in their youth and have notable concentration and intensity.

Rapley Trail Vineyard consists of the martini clone planted in 1983. The 6-acre plot sits at an elevation of 1650 feet and is southeast facing. Different blocks are harvested and bottled from this vineyard to showcase the soil and climate variations found here. At higher elevations the soil is dark and rich whereas the lower portions are grey, lean, and rough. While all vintages and blocks yield distinctive notes, there is a common theme of an exotic and spicy aroma.