Winemaker Letter
Autumn is both the culmination of a growing season and the promise of new beginnings, when months of careful stewardship in the vineyard give way to the anticipated energy of harvest once again. Nearly three years after the 2023 harvest, these wines emerge from our cellar with remarkable poise, expressing a vintage that is warm, generous, balanced, and precise.
This release carries special significance as it continues the story of the 2023 vintage, my inaugural harvest at Domaine Serene. To share these wines with you is both a privilege and a milestone. Although the initial analysis suggested we move quickly, we chose patience over urgency, harvesting block by block as each site reached optimal flavor maturity. From there, the wines settled into barrel and asked for time.
Your Fleur de Lis allocation reflects the abundance of the harvest itself and showcases the range of Domaine Serene. Two single-vineyard Pinot Noirs reveal the distinct character of exceptional sites in the Eola-Amity Hills and Yamhill-Carlton, while ‘Grand Cheval’ demonstrates the remarkable harmony of Pinot Noir and Syrah. Together, this allocation reflects both the diversity of our vineyards and the curiosity that continues to shape our winemaking.
This collection is ready to enjoy now and shows great depth and structure. Open them this season, pour generously, and let each bottle bring people together around a beautiful meal and warm company. There's no greater joy for a winemaker than knowing our wines have a place at your table.
Cheers,
Carl Formaker
DOMAINE SERENE WINEMAKER
