Quick Grape & Harvest Update

Today Mauricio pulled Zinfandel grapes for sampling of sugars and acidity at Snows Lake Vineyard in Lake County. He amended the info, though - it's actually Primitivo (Clones 3 & 4).

The upper blocks are at 25.4 brix and a pH of 4 ... he says the lower blocks are still at 22 brix. It's likely we will hand-harvest the two upper blocks (one on an eastern-facing hill and the other adjacent on a western-facing hill) next week. Later on the lower ones.

The Sauvignon Blanc from Dancing Crow Vineyard isn't as close to being ready - Mauricio's current guess is September 14th or thereabouts.

He's also beginning to look at Merlot and Cabernet from Totem Ridge Vineyard - Cabernet is much later ripening - it will probably be ready in mid-October.

Lake County Field Trip

Dylan & enologist Mauricio trekked north yesterday - checking on the Sauvignon Blanc grapes at Maile Field & Lars Crail's Dancing Crow Vineyard. Mauricio thinks perhaps the first week in September on these grapes, though he'll be keeping an eye on the fruit and the Brix.

Originally pear orchards planted by Maile's family, the vineyard encompasses 28 acres and has been certified organic since 2004.
Pear trees still surround the property, and the 2008 vintage of Cartlidge & Browne Sauvignon Blanc has lovely pear aromas. Coincidence?

They also stopped by to see Buzz, who's been providing us with amazing Merlot for years.

Harvest is right around the corner!