Spring sprung in February instead of April. We are at the beginning of what could be our earliest season yet. Little rain and warm weather have pushed the grapes early. Of course, now that they’re out about a foot, we are spending our nights watching for frost. Fortunately, each night has been borderline, but we did need to be there in case temperatures dropped near daybreak. We’re really just babysitters of the vineyard. 

 

The crop looks to me to be lighter in volume than in the past three years. I’m really concerned about what could happen at bloom time. Just call it the farmer’s lament! 

 

Our winery has been extremely busy working with the 2013 and 2014 vintages, both of which are exceptional. We have a lot of wine and it all requires a lot of care. 

 

2013 Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is one of the major varieties that we grow, but we sell almost all of it as grapes to other wineries, who do extremely well with it. We don’t sell a lot of it in the marketplace, but it sells very well in the tasting room. The market for the variety has grown the past few years after years of being dominated by Chardonnay. One thing about Sauvignon Blanc is that it is distinct. This Sauvignon Blanc from our Valley View Vineyard is bright with a little bit of grass character. We’re toying with the idea of blending the Valley View and Los Alamos Sauvignon Blanc for the the 2014 vintage - one being warmer and one being a cooler area. Sauvignon Blanc goes well with things I don’t like, like goat cheese and lemony dishes. I’d rather have it with Chile Verde.

 

2013 Pinot Noir, Goodchild “High 9”: Still in the number one position for Lucas & Lewellen. This wine follows the 2012, a multiple Gold Medal winner and big winner at Orange County. The plaque sits on Andy and Anjie’s fireplace in the Tasting Room! This one, first time out, was a medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle tasting. The High 9 Vineyard is 100% Clone 667, which has become a favorite of many top Pinot Noir producers. Vibrant in color with hints of cherry and blueberry - it just really tastes good. High 9 has always been barreled in French oak but for our coming 2014 vintage we purchased François Frères barrels which are considered to be the best. High 9 deserves the best. We’re all going to have to share in this expense! You will just have to taste and drink it slowly. I enjoy this wine with salmon over a bed of rice with a spicy sauce. 

 

By the time you read this, we will have just returned from our excursion to Bordeaux, full of enthusiasm from experiencing where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns, and with some ideas to better what we do in the Valley View Vineyard where L&L Cabernet reigns! 

 

Our Wine Club Summer BBQ is a must experience! Hosted by Jill and me and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Moore (whoa!)