September 26
A ridge of high has been keeping the weather fairly warm this week (less than 90F) while evenings have remained cool (45-50F). Phenolic and sugar development in the vineyard has been conservative due to the lower temperatures over time.
Consequently, Twomey Calistoga is the only facility that crushed fruit this week. Andy and his team sorted 19 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon from the beautiful Redtail Vineyard located off Chalk Hill Road. Meanwhile, the drain and pressing that started suddenly at the end of last week have finished for the Merlot. Pressed off Merlot blends are quietly percolating in tank.
In Healdsburg, the main activity has been pressing and barreling down the lots that were pressed off last week.
With the equinox past, our Indian Summer seems to be coming to an early end. Weather stations are announcing Southwesterly winds, which tend to bring moisture. Temperatures are expected to drop after this weekend and by Wednesday or Friday (depending on who you follow) there is a thirty percent chance of rain.
On Monday and Tuesday of next week Dave Shein and his group will pick the remainder of the Cabernet Franc, at Soda Canyon Ranch.
~Daniel Baron