A Busy Start to 2025 at Sugar Loaf

Harvest, Vintage Tastings & Rave Reviews

The hum of harvest is back, and the winery is alive with the energy of the season. Our Rosé, Pinot Noir, and the first blocks of Sauvignon Blanc are in, and the fruit is looking incredible. The long days and late nights have begun, but there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a new vintage—the moment when months of work in the vineyard finally come to life.

Pinot Noir Through the Years: A Vintage Tasting

Before the chaos of harvest, we took a rare opportunity to step back and taste six consecutive vintages of our Pinot Noir, from 2019 to 2024. Each glass was a time capsule, capturing the nuances of each growing season. Some vintages showed bold, structured tannins, while others leaned into elegance and perfume. Tasting them side by side was a reminder that every decision we make—when to pick, how to ferment, how long to age—shapes the story each bottle tells.

Candice Chow’s Latest Reviews: 93 Points Across the Board

Amidst the hustle of harvest, we received some incredible news—wine critic Candice Chow awarded 93 points to four of our wines, with our Rosé earning a strong 90. Her tasting notes captured what we love about these wines:

• Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (93 pts) – "A lifted, crisp bouquet of gooseberry, lime, and jasmine... finishing with a touch of grapefruit zest."

• Riesling 2024 (93 pts) – "Fresh, juicy, and moreish, with a beautiful balance of acidity and sweetness."

• Pinot Gris 2023 (93 pts) – "Autumn pear, quince, honeysuckle, and five-spice... finishing with a dry, textural elegance."

• Pinot Noir Rosé 2024 (90 pts) – "Sweetly perfumed with juicy strawberry and cherry, lifted by fresh acidity."

• Otto Syrah 2023 (93 pts) – "Bright, generous, and vibrant, with fine structure and velvety tannins."

We’re thrilled with these results—proof that our hands-off, flavor-driven approach is delivering wines of real character. If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the time!

With harvest in full swing, there’s plenty more to come. Stay tuned for more updates from the winery, and as always, thanks for being part of the Sugar Loaf journey.

Cheers,
The Sugar Loaf Team