With the beginning of 2008, it is time to reflect on the 2007 vintage and how challenging it was. What a roller coaster ride that was.  At the onset of 2007 we were seeing the potential for record breaking crops with outstanding quality to boot.  The early varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, proved to be just that. Sugar levels were near perfect and acid levels very good.  The Sauvignon Blanc will be outstanding. 

As the vintage progressed we were all hoping and praying that the weather would continue on its winning streak. We were fully expecting to bring in our Cabernet Sauvignon a few weeks earlier than usual.  The rains came and we had to work diligently to protect the fruit until it was time for picking. The weather finally got back to normal and the vineyards dried out considerably.  No powdery mildew or rot, whew, what a relief that was.

The decision was made to harvest Merlot on September 27,2007. The sugar level came in respectably at 23.5 Brix. The TA was in the range of .60-.65and the PH at 3.39.  We fermented this for 15 days on the skins before pressing.  The wine has just completed malolactic fermentation and is cold stabilizing. The cold stabilizing will bring the PH closer to the desired level of 3.6. 

On October 14, we brought in Cabernet Franc.  The sugar level came in at 23 Brix. The TA was 0.71 and the PH at 3.5.  The wine was fermented for 15 days on the skins and pressed.  Malolactic fermentation completed in 45 days and is cold stabilizing at this point.

On October 23 the decision was made to bring in the Cabernet Sauvignon. The sugar level came in at 23 Brix.  The TA was a respectable .65, and the PH came in at 3.7.  The wine was fermented for 15 days on the skins and pressed.  Malolactic fermentation was completed in 45 days and is cold stabilizing.

The objective will be to blend these three varietals once cold stabilizing is comleted.  The proposed blend will be 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.  A traditional french blending technique used in the left bank of France. 

I believe that the end product will be outstanding.  I am looking forward to Vintage 2008.