HARVESTED: October 2nd – 15th, 2024
VINEYARD: Santa Cruz Mountains
SOILS: loamy clay
BOTTLED: April 2026, 250 cases
COMPOSITION: Cabernet & Merlot
ALCOHOL: 13.7%
WINEMAKER: Andrew Vingiello
VINEYARD MANAGER: Thayer Dunwoody
VINTAGE NOTES
The 2024 vintage in the Santa Cruz Mountains was influenced by a warm spell during harvest, which prompted some grapes to ripen earlier than expected. While this brief period of warmth did accelerate the harvest, cooler temperatures at night helped to preserve the natural acidity and freshness of the fruit. The growing season itself was marked by generally mild conditions, with a nice balance of sun and cool nights, allowing for steady and even ripening throughout much of the summer. The heat during harvest was manageable, and careful vineyard management ensured the preservation of the region’s signature balance and complexity. The 2024 vintage produced wines with bright, expressive fruit flavors, refined acidity, and good structure, capturing the essence of this unique cool-climate terroir.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The grapes were handpicked, sorted, and destemmed. Fermented in small lots using inoculated yeasts for a combination of control and complexity. Punched down twice daily and in some cases pumped over. Left on the skins for anywhere from 14 to 21 days. Free run and pressed wine settled to a combination of new and used French Oak barrels. 18 month elevage. Obsessively tasted and trialed prior to assemblage. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
TASTING NOTES
The 2024 Exponent wine shows a cool-climate, polished profile with aromas of black cherry, plum, and violet. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, with juicy red and dark fruit carried by fresh acidity. Subtle notes of graphite, cedar, and dried herbs add structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit. Tannins are fine and well integrated, giving gentle grip through a clean, focused finish of berries, cocoa, and a faint mineral lift. Balanced, elegant, and food-friendly with a quietly persistent finish.
CELLARING
Enjoy now or over the next 3-5 years.