Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman
October, 2019
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It is harvest time. We are about 3 or 4 weeks into the harvest. So far, everything has been going well with just a few bumps. We had a couple of heat spells where some of the grapes suffered from burn and dehydration. We have completed the harvest on Pinot Grigio and are right in the middle of harvesting Muscat. We have already tasted the 2019 Moscato di Santa Barbara during our Vineyard Tour. This year’s Vineyard Tour was different than in the past as it was scheduled during harvest rather than prior to harvest. I think it gave everyone a chance to see what we do from a different perspective. They were able to see the grapes being harvested in the vineyards and the wine being made in the winery. It was a really nice group of people. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the wines. In a few days, we will be picking some of the major Italian varieties like Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Sangiovese.
2017 Moscato di Santa Barbara: If we were to hold a popularity contest, this would be the wine. I can’t help but over-emphasize the fact that we grow our Muscat grapes in a cooler region, making for a special kind of Muscat wine with more flavor, more acid, more balance. Yet we are about the only ones in the county who grow the grape. Fortunately, our biggest and best buyer is in St. Helena, Napa Valley. This wine could qualify for being a replacement of that other drink, beer! It is refreshing, great on a hot day, low in alcohol, and gives conversation a chance. Several of those who have tasted the wine on the tour were taken by it. Under normal circumstances, they probably would never have tried this wine that was made for fun.
2015 Classico: This wine is continually one of our best selling wines, a good example of what a Super-Tuscan blend of Bordeaux grapes with Sangiovese can be. This vintage has more Sangiovese than the Bordeaux varieties, which makes it a little easier to drink and not quite as bold. The lushness of the Sangiovese stands out. For the quality of this wine, the price is right. It is Italian so enjoy it with pasta and a gallon of olive oil.
2013 Nebbiolo: This is the wine that got away. We made much more of this wine but someone got to it before our Tasting Rooms did. This may be the best Nebbiolo that we have ever produced. It has all the classic characteristics of Nebbiolo and a touch of velvet - with time, the tannins have matured for an elegant wine. It is a complement to food. I would sign up to make this wine every year. I am sorry that there are so few cases but at least we, the club members, have a chance to enjoy it.
We at Lucas & Lewellen think that Thanksgiving is a special event that all should participate in. We have much to be thankful for: our families, our friends, and for the wine that brings us together.