The new year started off with a much needed rain event. We received over six inches at once and we have had none since!

The most important task that we do in the vineyard is pruning. This morning I was driving my 2004 Ford F-150, “The Dustmobile”, through two rows of grapevines, admiring the pruning job. What we do in January and February determines what kind of grapes we get in September and October. Pruning is not just a hack job. It determines the quantity and quality of grapes and contributes to the longevity of the vine. Will it last 30 years or 60 years? Will the yields vary or be consistent? Pruning is a selection process and an art.

2019 Gewurztraminer: Nobody likes the name of this grape! We are seeing more interest in the variety, both in our own direct sales and in the sales of grapes and bulk wine. The variety is considered to be great but it is limited in production. It grows best in cool weather districts. Gewurztraminer is very aromatic and has a great nose, great mouthfeel, and a depth of spiciness. During crushing, we expose the juice to some skin contact. The skins of this variety are loaded with flavors. If you taste it, you will like it!

2018 Cabernet Franc: How do you talk about grapes that are grown in your own yard? These are my most pampered vines. I have been fine-tuning the pruning for 22 years now and I have got it down. This one exemplifies the rustic dry leaf character in the wine complemented by a hint of good oak. This is a good example of what the variety should be and would be welcomed at a summer barbecue. (We hope we can have our Summer BBQ this year.)

2018 Pinot Noir: The most memorable thing about this wine is that when we were doing our preliminary tasting, Royce really liked it. It was not overly done like many of today’s dark heavy Pinots. This wine is a little more delicate and a little more refined like Pinot Noir should be, and lower in alcohol. Pinot Noir is the biggest seller in our entire portfolio of wines. This vintage earned a score of 91 points with an “Editors Choice” distinction in the November 2020 Wine Enthusiast.

I did get my second shot but it wasn’t tequila! Looking forward to summer and a return to the pleasure of your company.