In the Vineyard

Veraison marks a major turning point in the annual growth cycle of the vines.  Specifically, veraison refers to the changing colors in the grapes.  All grape varietals are a bright green color from fruit set through until veraison, at which point “red” varietals deepen in color and take on purple hues while “white” varietals lighten into a pale golden hue.  These colors are a result of the developing phenolic compounds in the grape skins, the yellowish phenols in white grapes, and the purple anthocyanins found in red grapes.  This color change also signifies flavor changes; as these compounds develop, along with tannins, the flavors begin to richen and deepen and turn from unripe “green fruit” flavors into the layered, complex flavors of fully ripened berries.
From this point on, the vine changes the way that it uses the energy created through photosynthesis in the form of glucose.  New shoot and leaf growth slows down dramatically, and the vines begin to store excess glucose in the grapes.  As the sugar content in the berries rises, the acid levels in the berries begin to fall.  The “woody” portions of the vine (the shoots, stems, and pips) begin to change colors as well, going from green to brown, a process called lignification.  This change also affects flavors in the grapes and ultimately in the wines, since the stems and the seeds both will have flavors extracted during fermentation.
All of these changes point toward ripeness and the upcoming harvest.  Typically, veraison means we are 45-70 days away from harvest.  Ripeness is a function of all of these processes: we look for the point where sugars have achieved the right concentration (measured in Brix) while acidity has dropped to the right level (but not dropped too far!) and the tannins and other phenolics have developed their pleasing array of flavors, textures, and aromas.

In the Cellar

This month, our production team has been busy “racking from barrel to tank” as we prepared for bottling this week. The wines get moved from barrels to tanks in preparation for the big event. The final move has multiple benefits to the wine. Any solids that have fallen out of solution are left in the barrel, and the wine is allowed to settle and stabilize for a few days while we stage all of the glass, corks, and capsules. The mobile bottling truck from Ryan Mobile Bottling arrives the day prior to bottling to set up, and then it’s a race to the finish. All of our 2022 reds have finished aging and are now resting in bottle before being released. Be on the lookout next month for two wines to be released, as some of your favorites will be back in stock!

New Release This Month

Blend 23

2023 Blend 23

We have been blending and bottling a Blend 23 for twenty consecutive vintages, and it remains an absolute fan favorite two decades later.  If you’ve had a bottle lately, then you understand why.  This wine showcases the beauty and daily versatility of blended wines.  The crisp, tart acidity and the “pop” of Sauvignon Blanc, blended with the creamy mouthfeel and mineral finish of Chardonnay—and the smallest addition of Viognier, which ties it all together with a nose-full of floral aromas and a syrupy viscosity.  The result is a wine that drinks well on any day of the week, vintage in and vintage out.

“A generous bouquet of melon and passion fruit with subtle hints of white peach. The palate is expressive with notes of green apples, honeysuckle, lemon curd, and a savory minerality.”

Last Chance Wines

The “Last Chance” section features wines with less than 5 cases left, some with as few as 2 bottles. Grab them before they’re gone!

Kenefick Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

(2 bottles remain)

Giannone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Giannone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

(6 bottles remain)

Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

(13 bottles remain)

Oakville Ranch
2021 Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

(12 bottles remain)