Harvest Update

The heat wave came and the heat wave went.  And in its wake we have a cool spell predicted.  We’ve been picking like crazy the last two weeks trying to keep up with the ripening process that’s been in high gear due to the heat.  Now, suddenly, the brakes are on and I have nothing lined up to pick for at least a week.  Maybe two.  Or three.  Yup, that shows you just that fast things change in this wacky business called “winemaking.” 

But that doesn’t mean we’re bored.  Quite the contrary as we are monitoring fermentations, prepping barrels for filling with Chardonnay juice and getting ready to press off the first Pinot Noir in a few days.  As I do every morning, I tasted each and every lot today and am happy to say that this looks to be a very promising vintage already!  I’m seeing great color in the Pinot Noir along with wonderful aromatics and flavors reminiscent of strawberries and raspberries.  Grapefruit and citrus aromas from the fermenting Sauvignon Blanc fill the cellar.  It is truly a great time of year and I invite you to come up to the winery and taste through the 2017 wines in progress with me!  If you have never done such a thing, now is the time.  And because we’re a small operation, I will personally have the time to take you tank-to-tank to taste.

Hope to see you soon and before the next wave of grapes hits!