Malene Club Newsletter

2024 Harvest update

As we approach the close of this year’s rosé season, I can’t help but reflect on what a remarkable season it has been. Our October release is just around the corner, and we’ve made incredible progress in the vineyard—about 75% of our harvest is complete, with the last of our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes arriving at the winery. There’s a tangible excitement in the air as our team works to bring out the very best of what the season has offered us. I’m already looking forward to sharing these future wines with you, knowing the dedication and passion that have gone into every step.

For me, the harvest season always begins with a moment of reflection and gratitude. Every year, we kick off with a celebratory toast of our Estate Sparkling wine. This is a tradition I hold dear known to many as the ‘blessing of the grapes.’ We saber the bottle and pour a small amount over the first bin of grapes, marking the start of harvest with a gesture of thankfulness for nature’s generous bounty and the hard work our team invests in crafting these wines. It’s a grounding moment that reminds me of the connection between the land, the fruit, and the wines we create for you.

But before we fully immerse ourselves in the rhythm of harvest, I’m excited to celebrate the final chapter of the 2024 rosé season with you. The bright summer fruits and floral notes of these rosés are meant to capture the essence of the season and offer a bit of sunshine in every glass. I hope you enjoy these wines as much as we enjoyed crafting them. Alongside the rosé, there’s a surprise that we think will elevate your next wine and food pairing experience—let’s just say it’s perfect for serving something savory with your wine. We hope it brings a bit of fun to your table!

To make this release even more memorable, we’re hosting a special event for our club members, and we’d love to see you there. With live music, perfectly paired wines, and a sneak peek into our harvest, this celebration promises to be an unforgettable day. Be sure to check out the event link below and RSVP soon, as space is limited.

We’re incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and can’t wait to raise a glass with you soon. This rosé release, with its added surprise, is sure to be a standout in your collection, and I hope you enjoy every sip.

Brianne Engles

2023 Vintage

The Estate saw 32 inches of rain during the winter months which surpassed all recent historical records by double. The rain filled up our water tables, ponds and water holding soil capacity was at its maximum. All the welcomed rain, while very beneficial overall, did present some challenges early in the growing season. More rain means more water and nutrients available to the vines, which means more vigor and larger canopies to manage. Bud break began in early March, a few weeks later than normal. A historically cool spring and summer delayed the growing season by a few weeks more. The grapes enjoyed ample hang time which allowed ripeness to occur much more gradually than we’ve seen in recent years. The cumulation of the long growing season produced grapes with beautiful textbook chemistry numbers. Perfect balance between sugar and acid and flavor development resulted in extremely high quality. Yields were higher than in recent vintages and welcomed from this Blockbuster vintage which will surely go down as one of the best vintages in the last decade.

These exceptional rosés boast concentrated flavors, bright acidity, and an overall sense of harmony that can only be achieved through meticulous care and attention to detail. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dedication and passion can yield truly extraordinary results.