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TASTING NOTES

A strikingly aromatic and expressive white wine, showcasing a vibrant medley of tropical and herbal characteristics. On the nose, intense notes of passion fruit, pineapple, and apricot leap from the glass, complemented by fresh grassy and pine-like undertones. The palate is equally bold, with a round, textured mouthfeel balancing its lively acidity. Layers of tropical fruit and fresh herbs unfold with each sip, leading to a crisp, refreshing finish. This vintage is a beautifully pronounced expression of Rkatsiteli, offering both depth and vibrancy in every glass.

VINEYARD NOTES

Rkatsiteli originates in the country of Georgia and it one of the oldest grape varieties in the world dating back to 3000 B.C. It is often one of the last varieites to be harvested. Dr. Konstantin Frank was the first to plant Rkatsiteli in the Finger Lakes during his experiments in the 1950s and 1960s. We grow just under 10 acres of Rkatsiteli on our Keuka Estate: 3.1 acres planted in 1983, 2.8 acres in 1987, and 3.8 acres in 2003. Our soils on Keuka Lake are shallow, Mardin and Volusia silt loam with high shale content which adds minerality, acidity, and elegance. Our vineyard is east-facing ranging from 980 ft to 1200 ft elevation and are at the deepest parts of Keuka Lake. In 2022, we planted 3.4 acres of Rkatsiteli on our Seneca farm with an expected first crop in 2024.

WINEMAKER NOTES

The 2024 growing season began with a historically mild winter, followed by an unseasonably warm spring, ranking among the warmest on record. This led to an early bud break, setting the stage for an accelerated growing cycle. Summer brought intense heat, with June and July among the hottest recorded, though consistent rainfall helped maintain vine health.

August delivered a welcome reprieve with cooler temperatures, allowing the grapes to develop complexity and balance. By early fall, most varieties were tracking nearly two weeks ahead of their typical ripening schedule. Fortunately, autumn provided ideal conditions—sunny, warm days paired with cool nights and low humidity—creating the perfect environment for a prolonged and meticulously timed harvest.

With the rare luxury of choosing optimal picking times, we believe the 2024 wines will be nothing short of exceptional, showcasing remarkable ripeness, structure, and depth.

VARIETY

100% Rkatsiteli.

VINEYARD

77% Keuka Estate, 23% Seneca Estate. New York Sustainable Winegrowing Certified.

VINIFICATION

De-Stemmed. Direct Press.

VESSEL

Stainless Steel. Temperature Controlled.

FERMENTATION

Traditional. No Malolactic Fermentation.

ÉLEVAGE

Unoaked.

ACCOLADES