November 30, 2007

Today we pressed our last fermenter of red wine from our Estate vineyard and the last fruit we received a month ago. This event is always cause to pause and reflect on the past year; from pruning last winter, through the ever changing growing season, the dynamic and sometimes manic harvest, and culminating with our final pressing.

Harvest may officially begin once the grapes are picked and delivered to the winery, but the winery preparation and vineyard cultivation are an ongoing effort. Franci and I spend many hours walking the vineyards looking for clues that may signify differences throughout each part of the vineyards.

As our Estate Pinot Noir vineyard matures, we begin to see clear differences between the various geology and clones throughout the “vineyards within the vineyard”. We continue to explore these individual vineyard expressions as distinct wine characters emerge. In particular, the west-facing Deer Camp vineyard is situated in one of the coolest ends of the estate, predominantly planted with the venerable Martini selection Pinot Noir in very cobbly soil. It’s brooding and solidly structured wines are distinctly different from the vineyard that mirrors Deer Camp on the opposite slope, which produces wines with velvety richness and finesse.

All of the blocks throughout our Estate produced low yields with flavorful clusters. The resulting wines all have wonderful perfume and heady aromas, with stunning richness and depth. The grapes retained a high natural acidity to give the wines nerve and length. These wines are now quietly transforming in barrel as they evolve through malolactic fermentation. We are all very pleased with another stellar Pinot Noir vintage.

Ideal weather and low yields produced highly extracted and well structured Cabernet Sauvignon in 2007. The crop yields and vine growth were kept in good balance and the ripening season provided ample flavor and tannin development. The wines have good concentration and tannin integrity, and a sense of balanced ripeness.

Each harvest distinguishes itself with unique challenges, highlights and rewards. In the end, the communities of people that make it all happen and the high caliber and soul of the wines produced are the lasting reward.

A santé.
Jon Priest