We finished pruning last week, about three weeks ahead of schedule. This was necessary because of the warm winter that we have been experiencing, so warm that bud break has already begun. Up until the recent perfect storm, we had less than an inch of rain for the winter. In the past few days, we had more than 3-5 inches on our vineyards. It was more than a breath of fresh clean air. Our big concern for the next couple of months will be the threat of spring frost.
In your next shipment, you will have an opportunity to enjoy our 2010 Valley View Cabernet, which contains all five Bordeaux varieties. It recently scored a “Gold Plus” medal with a score of 93 points and placed third overall out of 332 Cabernets at this year’s Cabernet Shoot-out in San Francisco. It was wonderful to receive this type of recognition for this exceptional wine that was 12 years in the making!
2011 Sauvignon Blanc: Again from our Valley View Vineyard, this one takes a step up from past vintages. Grapes were picked at a higher level of maturity resulting in a 14.5 alcohol, which is slightly high for a white wine. But this wine shows an increased amount of flavor with a hint of the herbaceousness that I like to see in a Sauvignon Blanc. This one will go especially well with salad, seafood, and featherless white meats, even the bunny rabbit!
2010 Syrah: Made mostly from the Estrella Clone of perfect Syrah grapes. For proof, see the picture I took with my iPad. This vintage has a 4% addition of Viognier grapes added in co-fermentation, which is commonly done in the Côte-Rôtie. We are continuing to do this with our next vintages to add some flower and perfume flavors. The Syrah grape, with all its great color and structure, sometimes needs a little extra help! We like this Syrah with leg of lamb inserted with a little garlic and rosemary, grilled beef, or barbecued pork.
The Vintners Festival is in April and our 10th Summer BBQ is scheduled for June at our Valley View Vineyard.
We are getting ready to weigh anchor on our journey through the Panama Canal with stops in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Columbia, and a Caribbean island. It’s time to wine and dine! Next year, we’re taking the Wine Club to Bordeaux where Cabernet is king! 70 have signed up already and we’ll be sold by the time you get your next shipment so turn in your deposits!
May your Easter be filled with the excitement of spring.
