As winemakers crushed the last of the 2023 grape harvest in Monterey County, praise for the vintage had already sent expectations into a wild ferment. “It’s the vintage of my career,” says Steve Peck, vice president of winemaking for J.Lohr, citing red grapes showing rich pigmentation and whites normally destined for the brand’s inexpensive labels now matching the quality of their higher-end line. 32 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® EAT + DRINK 2024-2025 A YEAR TO REMEMBER The first bottles of Monterey County’s 2023 wines confirm anticipation of a spectacular vintage. By Dave Faries Odonata Wines wines.indd 1 4/18/24 3:30 PM
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