In our last newsletter, we expressed our hopes for a nice wet winter. Well, we had one day with six inches of rain, and a couple of weeks later, one day with five inches, which made conditions challenging. All the rivers and creeks and dams filled and were tested. I think most people fared pretty well. all things considered. We are still hoping for more but not all in one day!

Our pruning crew is working on the last thirty acres, which means we are over 90% finished with our first major job of the year. As I have said before, it is the most important job, and what we do in January is what we get in September. Next, we look forward to bud break and hope that we do not have the cold like we have had, because that could be a problem. We never run out of work.

2021 Riesling: Riesling is grown in our Los Alamos Vineyard. At one time it was a major white variety in California, but today there is not much Riesling left. Years ago, I grew Riesling for people making White Zinfandel who were looking to add flavor, and that is what Riesling has. This wine is not overly aggressive but smooth and soft and fruity and should be served cold.

2018 Pinot Noir, Goodchild “High 9” Vineyard: My first impression of this wine relates to the fact that it is five years old. It is mature in color and flavor, unlike so many of the newer, fruity, almost sweet, young Pinots. It has a little bit of elegance to it. It is more of a dinner wine than one you would serve casually with appetizers.

2019 Malbec: This one is dark black and soft as silk, one of the better Malbecs we have ever produced. The nose comes around but the softness on the palate is what makes it something special. This one you can hold in your mouth and savor the flavors. Give this wine a gold star.

I am looking forward to the April Croatia trip with a small group of Wine Club members. I have been researching my ancestors’ history. Don’t forget to join us for the Summer BBQ. I need to get to work on my lawn. Our friends, the Testas from Santa Maria, will put on a Santa Maria-styled barbecue buffet to remember.