This picture tells a story of a very cold night but we survived it. The photo below shows the most extreme cold spot in our vineyards where we incurred most damage. Not only was this particular night very cold but the duration of cold was several hours. If we would have had more water to wash the ice, we would have been in better shape. The lack of rain these past few months hasn’t helped. With less moisture in the air, more dehydration takes places on these frosty nights. Overall, our water systems and our new portable fans that remove the flow of cold air performed well. This frost period lasted three days. The first day was the most difficult and we just about exhausted our water supply by the end of the third night. I figure that we lost around 20 tons of grapes in all, about one percent of what we grow. These exciting times make me want to write that book called, "So You Want to be a Grape Grower?"
2012 Rosé of Pinot Noir: This wine can be best described as a fun wine, made from one of our best Pinot Noir blocks in Los Alamos. It has the essence of Pinot Noir and a mouthfeel with substance - and it’s pretty to look at! This Rosé not only can be enjoyed this summer but will match up with many types of foods over the year, especially in the seafood family. It will surprise you in many ways. If my mom was still here, she would be drinking it over the rocks!
2007 Petit Verdot: Petit Verdot is known for great color, high bold tannins, and flavors that do not vary. Many people refer to it as a blending wine and it enhances many of the wines of Bordeaux. Few winemakers attempt to make it on its own. We grow Petit Verdot on our Valley View Vineyard at its highest point on top of the hill in rocky soils where tractors do not dare to go! This area has produced a remarkable wine. Don’t be alarmed by the 2007 vintage date. This wine has just passed from being too young to becoming a unique Bordeaux experience. I recently poured it at a tasting for more than 60 people in a fine wine shop in Torrance, California and the consensus of the group was surprise - they thought it might be the best wine poured. It will stand up to most foods that require a hardy wine. To make it interesting, share it with friends but don’t tell them what it is. Test their wine expertise!
My wish from the last issue was granted. We leave for the cruise tomorrow. Summer is here. We expect 93° on Friday. You can actually watch grapes grow this time of year!
Don’t forget the Summer BBQ. We guarantee a perfect day...unless the weather changes its mind!
Enjoy summer with family and friends.