Assemblage: 100% Sémillon, Hand-harvested on September 18, 2023 from Lanie's Block in our Certified Sustainable Estate Vineyard
Winemaking & Aging: Fermented and aged sur lees in neutral French oak puncheons for 7 months.
Vintage Notes: The 2023 growing season proved to be one of intensity and compressed timelines. Initially starting with a cooler spring, the vintage swiftly rebounded with unanticipated warmth in May, followed by consistently above-normal temperatures throughout the summer. Despite a delayed bud break occurring the last weekend of April, nearly 3 weeks behind the norm, the season completed with one of the earliest harvests on record, with picking commencing on September 18th, a full 3 weeks ahead of 2022. Despite the abbreviated growing period, the grapes reached the desired ripeness and retained their characteristic acidity through harvest.
Winemakers Notes:
Sémillon, a close cousin to Sauvignon Blanc, exhibits distinct fruit and mineral flavors and remarkable depth. The nose on this vintage is filled with enticing notes of white peach and citrus, complemented by subtle hints of melon and chamomile. The palate delights with its vibrant character, showing some juicy salinity, accompanied by an essence of grapefruit. The wine concludes with a delightful finish, making it an excellent choice to enjoy on its own or as an accompaniment to many foods.
Recommended Food Pairings:
- Due to it's body and fresh flavor, Sémillon holds up to dishes with bold aromatics. Try with Indian spices (but not too spicy), Asian spices and even brown woodsy spices like cinnamon and star anise.
- Pairs well with seafood of all types, but especially shellfish
- Lovely with light meats such as chicken, pork, veal or game birds
- Compliments buttery and creamy sauces and is delicious with a wide variety of cheese, especially richly flavored and nutty cow's milk and sheep's milk cheeses such as Compté and Gruyère
- For dessert: Cannoli with cream, any cake with honey or nuts such as baklava, spiced pumpkin pie or carrot cake
Previous Vintage Ratings:
Owen Bargreen - 91 pts Dineen is one of the few vineyards in Washington that still has Sémillon planted. This edition is neatly textured with nectarine, walnut and shades of brioche flavors that combine with a good sense of tension. Drink 2023-2029
Wine Enthusiast - 91 pts (Editor's Choice) What a cool set of aromas—lemon zest, joined by a savory note reminiscent of sliced serrano ham on challah bread. Crisp acidity punctuates ripe cantaloupe and tart and tangy grapefruit à la a cold bottle of Fresca. Who can ask for more than bright, refreshing and interesting fun?
Jancis Robinson - 16.5/20 (Distinguished) Sustainable WA certified. Pale lemon. Neutral and grassy with a touch of lemon. Textural and pithy. Quite chewy with long acidity. (SCJ) 13.2% Drink 2023 – 2026