Winemaker Wisdom: An incredible year – so far.

The 2012 vintage in the Napa Valley has been nothing but glorious through the middle of August. The weather has been just about textbook this summer: cool evenings, cool mornings, warms days – permitting grapes to mature on cue with “normal” vintages. Normal in Napa Valley means different grape varieties ripening in sequence, to the drum of their individual cycles. First comes Sauvignon Blanc mid August and last is Cabernet Sauvignon in late September/early October with Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay falling in between. We began our harvest 2012 this past Monday, 20 August with our Sauvignon Blanc from Oakville. No shortage or overabundance of crop this year as we received exactly the 15 tons we were expecting. Mother Nature has been good to us gifting us with balanced vineyards and great weather but it is not without it’s surprises. If Sauvignon Blanc is an indicator, flavor maturity is coming at very low sugar levels and very nice acidity. Our Sauvignon Blanc tasted delicious at 21.5 Brix – the lowest I’ve seen in a long time if not ever in my career! Typically at this sugar content the grapes are still hard and taste green. Our Sauvignon Blanc will begin it’s slow and gentle fermentation tomorrow, fermenting at a cool temperature, some in barrels some in tank. And just as it finishes we will be ready for Pinot Noir. Stay tuned!