Our Casteñada Collection is named after Don Juan Casteñada, the original owner of the Adobe house. These wines are a departure from our traditional pinot noirs and chardonnays, as they are true field blends crafted from Rhône varietals sourced from our Heritage vineyard, Durell. Inspired by the Adobe’s rich history, this collection pays homage to both the Adobe itself and the traditional winemaking practices of Sonoma.

VINTAGE NOTES

Vintage 2023’s themes were wet winter, cold summer, long ripening, high yielding, and stellar-quality fruit. We got off to a very wet start with much-needed winter rains in Sonoma County, replenishing soils and recharging aquifers through early spring. Hand in hand, spring rains brought intermittent frost events, causing some stunting and uneven growth, though we fortunately avoided significant damage on our properties. The transition to a beautiful, late Sonoma County spring saw grapevines flourishing, though delayed compared to recent years. Summer remained relatively cool, slowing fruit and vine maturation despite a good fruit set and crop load. The growing season concluded with a unique pattern of 90+ degree temperatures followed by measurable rain that cycled every week for 4 weeks. Additional canopy management and fruit thinning led to a harvest extending into September and concluding just before November. Despite the elongated timing, careful thinning resulted in stellar fruit quality, transforming weather adversities into opportunities for optimal fruit selection and excellent quality.

TASTING NOTES

Derived from our beloved Casteñada Red Rhône varieties, this rosé undergoes a saignée process, where brief skin contact captures a hint of color, resulting in the vibrant pink. Notes of strawberry spa water, watermelon jolly rancher, and subtle hints of pink sweet tarts dance on the palate. This refreshing wine seamlessly combines body and verve, creating a delightful harmony. A touch of dry red wine lends a light structure, enhancing its versatility for a range of exquisite food pairings.