Vintage: 2023
Charge Date: June 2024
Ship Date: March 2026
Availability: Closed
Our Winemaking Team held the first assemblage tasting for the 2023 vintage of Monte Bello on February 14th and 15th, 2024. The second assemblage tasting was held on May 9th. While we are very excited about the quality of the final blend, the growing conditions in 2023 and our rigorous blind-tasting process resulted in one of the smallest production sizes in the past ten years. As a result, the futures offering for this vintage will be limited. As always, the offer will be based on membership tenure, with those enrolled in the club the longest being the first to receive an offer. All Monte Bello Collector members will continue to receive their annual shipment of our estate wines from the Monte Bello Vineyard each March and will continue to enjoy their member benefits throughout the year.
After several years of dry, mild winters, 2023 finally brought some wet and cold weather. The winter months leading up to the growing season gave us substantial rainfall with over 36 inches by mid-January. We also saw several snow events up on the mountain at Monte Bello.
Cover crops were abundant due to the wet conditions which brought crucial nutrients and imparted greater health to the vines. Bud break at Monte Bello was three to four weeks behind normal. Due to cool temperatures, we were into the third week of April before bud break was complete across all blocks on the mountain. Flowering did not occur until late May for the Chardonnay and mid-June for the red varieties. Mowing, weeding, and foliage management were top priorities in May and June as the soil moisture encouraged rapid vegetation growth.
Below-average summer temperatures and cool nights at Monte Bello meant that the fruit set was late and not complete until mid-July. Once veraison finally started in August, we were able to assess the crop, which was showing to be well above normal yields. Some minor fruit thinning in select parcels allowed the vines to be brought into balance for more uniform ripening. August’s mild weather further delayed the ripening process. At this point, we were about three weeks behind our normal schedule for the anticipated start of harvest…
375ml – $95
750ml – $185
1.5L – $375
3.0L – $775
6.0L – $1,550
Exclusive member pricing on Monte Bello futures is approximately 40% off the final release price. Each year we will remind you of your standing reservation and you may change, confirm, or cancel. Please be aware that if you choose to reduce your 2023 order, the reduced quantity becomes your new standing allocation, with no guarantee that you will be able to increase it with future vintages.
If you have a 2021 futures order (purchased in 2022) that you have not yet picked up, you have the option of picking up your order at one of our winery locations, beginning March 1st, 2024. We are open for appointment-based tastings and wine pickups seven days/week.
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