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As Vérité is French for truth, Connaissance is French for knowledge, and the wines of Connaissance convey the message of the soils in the individual terroirs of our Vérité micro-crus. Each wine in this collection showcases a unique expression of aromas, flavors, and textures from the individual micro-crus that Vigneron Pierre Seillan and his daughter Hélène meticulously blend to create the three cuvées of Vérité. Pierre refers to this expression as the "right of the soil," and through the wines of Connaissance, the knowledge of each individual Vérité micro-cru is revealed.

 

2023 Vintage

2023 will be remembered as one of longest and coolest growing seasons in recent Sonoma County history, and one which produced wines of exceptional quality.

The months following completion of the 2022 harvest saw cool weather with the return of abundant rainfall, breaking the ongoing drought, and reinvigorating the energy in our vineyard soils. This cold, wet weather persisted deep into the spring of 2023, delaying budbreak and flowering, though by mid-May the rains subsided, and gentle, warm weather set in. Although the season was several weeks later than average, the growing conditions throughout summer and fall were ideal, allowing slow phenolic maturation of the fruit, with gentle accumulation of sugars. Harvest lasted almost a full month, beginning with Block 601 Merlot on September 25, and concluding when our last micro-cru was brought in, on October 23.

The wines of Vérité from this long, cool vintage carry a tension delivered by restrained alcohol levels and vivacious acidity, however they possess exceptional concentration and power. They are charming in their youth, but are endowed with the freshness, balance, and structure to age for a very, very long time.

 

Connaissance The Philosopher
Connaissance The Premier
Connaissance The Embellisher

Allocations

Connaissance is produced in very limited quantities and is offered once a year.
For more information or to request an allocation, click below.

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Connaissance The Philosopher

2023 Malbec
Chalk Hill AVA
Franz Creek Vineyard
Elevation: 171ft
Year Planted: 2004
Soil Composition: Volcanic Tuff, white volcanic ash, and clay loam

Aptly named "The Philosopher," in reference to the contemplative and quiet nature of the Franz Creek Vineyard located in the very northern end of the Chalk Hill Appellation, this block is planted in the region's classic volcanic ash soils. The climate is influenced by the warming effect of Alexander Valley to the north, and cooling breezes from the nearby Russian River to the southwest. The resulting wine possesses both generosity and restraint, with a lift to the inherent richness of Malbec.

Close up of grapes with vineyard in the background
Dirt clots
Photos by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Connaissance The Premier

2023 Merlot
Chalk Hill AVA
Vérité Vale Block 601
Elevation: 181ft
Year Planted: 1996
Soil Composition: Volcanic Tuff, white volcanic ash, and clay loam

Planted in the Chalk Hill area's distinctive talcum-fine soils of ash and clay, Block 610 "The Premier," earns its moniker by being the first Vérité micro-cru harvested in each vintage. This early ripening Merlot block yields a distinctive wine of velvety red and black fruit, with an exotic, earthy perfume of wilted roses, and black truffle. The palate shows a remarkably supple texture, balanced by elevated acidity, which brings the finish into perfect focus.

Close up of grapes on a vine
Rocks and soil
Photos by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Connaissance The Embellisher

2023 Petit Verdot
Chalk Hill AVA
Vérité Vale Block 606A
Elevation: 195ft
Year Planted: 2015
Soil Composition: Volcanic Tuff, white volcanic ash, and clay loam

Growing directly east of the Vérité winery in Chalk Hill, Block 606A lies on fine soils of ash, clay, and volcanic tuff, with a climate gently moderated by the cooling influence of the nearby Russian River. The Petit Verdot from this micro-cru is prized for its profound strength and intense concentration. Though used sparingly in the final blend of Vérité La Joie, this wine earns its name by profoundly embellishing the cuvée with a deep, saturated color, firm tannins, and vibrant acidity. This powerful structure is accompanied by flavors of grilled black plum, ripe black cherry, freshly cracked pepper, and subtle violet blossom.

Row of Vineyards
Rocks and soil
Photos by Suzanne Becker Bronk