‘Le Caprice‘, as in “Capricious,” is an ode to the fickle nature of the Pinot Noir grape. Situated above sea level on steep mountain slopes, some exceeding 50 percent in grade, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the mild, sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which help the wine display polished tannins, body, and a hint of mineral graphite. ‘Le Caprice’ delivers the most pronounced profile of red fruit of our three estate Pinot Noir wines.
The Seaview Estate experienced an exceptionally wet winter with well above average rainfall and cooler-than-average temperatures into March which delayed budbreak by nearly a month. The weather during flowering was uneven and cool, giving rise to less fruit setting—slightly better than in 2022 but still only about 60% of a normal crop. Overall, the growing season was cooler than usual which continued through harvest. Harvest began a full month later than 2022 with the final blocks coming in on October 26th. The wines maintained a vibrant acidity with several blocks producing lower than average alcohol levels.
Situated over 1,000 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, some exceeding 50 percent in grade, the vineyard site faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, just on the other side of the coastal ridge, and the mild, sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which produces a wine with polished tannins, body, and a hint of graphite minerality. Le Caprice presents the most fruit-driven style among the trio of estate Pinot Noirs.
A brilliant mélange of red rose petals, black and red cherry, dried orange peel, candied plum, and blackberry soar from the glass of the 2023 'Le Caprice', embodying the terroir from the steepest vineyard blocks of our Seaview Estate. The lifted nose is framed by hints of baking spices and wild strawberries. The round, supple entry leads to a focused, juicy mid-palate with a long, smooth finish. The 2023 vintage is a seamless, classy, and harmonious expression of 'Le Caprice'.
Review:
A fresh, linear, eye-opening young wine that's delicious and appetizing, and will develop more complexity and nuance with time in the bottle. Stunning aromas of black cherries, vibrant raspberries and cedary spices lead to mouthwatering red cherry, cranberry, star anise and mineral flavors that expand on the palate. Drinkable now and best from 2030.
-James Suckling 98 Points
K Vintners King Coal 2020 is Cabernet Sauvignon with 24% Syrah, the 2020 King Coal Stoneridge Vineyard is firmer, darker and fresh with notes of pencil shavings and a juicy and generous core of spicy dark fruits, with delicate dusty red flowers, delightful brown baking spices and dark berries. Full-bodied, fresh and still tight, this will be released in September of 2023. Buy it, put it directly into your cellar, and forget about it for at least four years. It will go the distance; just be patient. Made from 100% whole-cluster grapes, the wine aged in 60% new French oak for 22 months. Bravo!
Review:
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with 24% Syrah, the 2020 King Coal Stoneridge Vineyard is firmer, darker and fresh with notes of pencil shavings and a juicy and generous core of spicy dark fruits, with delicate dusty red flowers, delightful brown baking spices and dark berries. Full-bodied, fresh and still tight, this will be released in September of 2023. Buy it, put it directly into your cellar, and forget about it for at least four years. It will go the distance; just be patient. Made from 100% whole-cluster grapes, the wine aged in 60% new French oak for 22 months. Bravo!
Wine Advocate 98 Points