September 19
Fall has arrived a week earlier than announced. Already last week's temperatures were quite moderate and this week they were down right cold with morning lows around 35F. To make things more interesting we had a little rain shower on Tuesday and might be receiving a little more in the next 24 hours. The Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that we are still expecting wont be much effected by this moisture.
Both wineries are starting to press off the early lots. Ben and Brian’s team have pressed off all the WestPin blocks. The juice from this fruit does not need to go through extended maceration for either color or body. Most of the Pinot Noir vineyards are in with the exception of a couple in Anderson Valley and Santa Cruz. Ben and Brian are starting to press the other Russian River vineyard. Initial impressions of the wines are stellar with exceptional elegance, body and length. At the same time Pinot has been pouring in from Sonoma Coast and Santa Barbara.
In Calistoga, the early Merlot grapes are being pressed slightly earlier this year given the intensity of the fruit. The color rivals the blue/black of Cabernet whilst the fruit character remains ample. The first Cab Franc to come in is a real stand out as well with lovely floral qualities to it.
This weekend and next week’s temperatures are expected to rise again which should allow us to bring in the remaining fruit under ideal Indian Summer conditions.
~Daniel Baron