Every year in the vineyard brings its own story, its own challenges, and its own triumphs. For wine lovers, understanding the story of a particular year, what we call the vintage, is key to appreciating what’s in the glass. It’s a snapshot of a specific time and place, capturing the essence of the weather, the soil, and the countless decisions made by our vineyard team.
We’re so excited to share our Bledsoe Family current vintage review and give you a peek behind the curtain of the Walla Walla 2023 vintage. This growing year was truly special, and we can’t wait for you to taste the passion and craftsmanship that went into every bottle. Let’s explore what makes this release one for the books!
The Story of the 2023 Growing Season
So, what exactly goes into a vintage report? Think of it as a winemaker’s diary. It details the weather from bud break in spring to the final harvest in fall. Every sunny day, cool night, and drop of rain influences how the grapes mature, ultimately shaping the wine’s flavor, aroma, and structure. Understanding these vintage variations helps you know what to expect from a bottle and why it might taste different from the year before.
The 2023 growing season in Walla Walla was a fantastic showcase of what this region can do. After a cool and wet spring, which gave the vines a slow and steady start, the summer brought classic Walla Walla heat. Those long, sun-drenched days allowed the grapes to develop deep, concentrated flavors. However, the cool nights, a hallmark of our region, were crucial. This daily temperature swing, known as the diurnal shift, preserved the grapes’ natural acidity, ensuring the resulting wines are balanced and vibrant. This balance is what creates the best Washington wine vintages, and 2023 is certainly a contender.
Our vineyard team’s resilience and adaptability were on full display. We carefully managed the canopy to provide just the right amount of sunlight, protecting the fruit from the intense afternoon heat while allowing flavors to develop beautifully. It’s this meticulous work that sets the stage for greatness.
A Note From the CEO & Director of Winemaking, Josh McDaniels
When we asked our winemaker, Josh McDaniels, for his thoughts on the current BFW release, his excitement was contagious!
Josh noted that the 2023 vintage reminds him of the celebrated 2018 vintage, known for its structure and elegance. However, he believes 2023 brings an extra layer of fruit concentration and aromatic complexity.
“The 2023 vintage is all about intensity and balance,” Josh explained. “The Cabernet Sauvignon shows deep, dark fruit flavors of black cherry and plum, with beautifully integrated tannins. The Syrah is expressive and savory, with notes of blackberry, olive, and a hint of spice. This is a vintage that will not only be fantastic upon release but will also age gracefully for years to come.”
The vintage’s weather events directly impacted this flavor development, with the summer heat building ripe fruit notes and the cool nights locking in that essential freshness.
How to Read a Vintage Report
So, how can you use this information? When you see a vintage report, look for details about the weather. A hot, dry year often produces bold, fruit-forward wines, while a cooler year might yield more elegant, earthy, and acidic wines. For the 2023 vintage, you can expect wines that are both powerful and refined.
The expected peak drinking window for the 2023 reds is another exciting aspect. While they will be approachable and delicious upon release, Josh predicts our bold reds will truly start to shine in 1-2 years and will continue to evolve and develop complexity for the next 10+ years. It’s a perfect opportunity to stock your cellar and “taste the story” as the wines mature. But if you can’t wait to crack open a bottle, just make sure to let it breathe in a decanter for a few hours for the best results.
Taste the Story of 2023
We are incredibly proud of the wines from the 2023 vintage. They represent a year of hard work, passion, and the unique character of the Walla Walla Valley. These are wines that tell a story, a story of a remarkable growing season and the dedicated people who brought them to life.
We invite you to experience this exceptional vintage for yourself. Join our Inner•Circle to get exclusive access to our newest releases and celebrate with us. Come visit our tasting rooms in Walla Walla or Bend to indulge your senses and be part of our community. We can’t wait to share these unforgettable moments with you!
