Captivity is fine. I’ve got Jill, my vines, a bunch of daughters calling, and a cellar full of great wine. The vines are not affected by what is going on in the world so we keep busy every day caring for them. At this point in time, we are working on shoot removal, hedging, leaf pulling, and mildew sprays. Irrigation is complex but we are mastering our irrigation practices. The winery team is focusing their attention on past vintages, bottling, and getting ready for this year’s harvest.
In a recent major tasting in San Diego, 2016 Cote del Sol received a score of 97 points and a Platinum Award, the third highest scoring wine out of several hundred entries. Add this one to your wine inventory. It is really special.
2019 Chenin Blanc: At one time, this grape made the most popular white wine in the country. It is now overlooked due to the problems with planting this variety in areas that were too warm, the replanting of Napa Valley to other varieties, and Chardonnay taking over the white wine world. Today the best Chenin Blanc comes from the Loire Valley in a place called Vouvray. This 2019 vintage was made in that style and is a good example of what Chenin Blanc should be. The wine has multiple layers of flavors and changes dramatically with a small amount of residual sugar. This one is bold but almost creamy on the palate - exceptional.
2017 Cabernet Franc: This wine comes from what has to be my favorite vineyard because it is located in my yard! A great variety, this vintage scored 91 points in the coming summer issue of Wine Enthusiast and took Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Wine Chronicle Competition. Subtle notes of white pepper and dry leaves make it distinct. Another exceptional wine that is worth adding to your collection.
2017 Petite Sirah: This wine needs to be entered in a competition. It is well-balanced, rich, dark, and a good expression of what a touch of light oak can do. With its huge soft tannins. this is a unique wine from our 45 year old vines in Los Alamos made from a clone so special that nobody knows which clone it is or where it came from!
I can’t believe harvest is only 60 days away and I can’t believe what is going on in the world. It looks like we will miss some of our traditional summer events until the news is better. Make time for a short trip to little Denmark (Solvang) to taste outdoors with us. Thanks again for your continued support.
