Crush 2009

I looked back over the last couple posts. It has been a long while since I have posted! So here I am back at it. Crush is a great time to give an update.

Grapes are still coming in and there are bins everywhere fermenting. It is interesting how I can smell the grapes fermenting, hear the rain, and feel the cold and be taken back to years before. I love the sights and sounds of harvest. It is truly a joyful time. I also love free run (this is the new wine that comes out of the press after red grapes are fermented). It is a great early snapshot of a wine and its potential.

Dave Gruber is our new winemaker. He is a great guy who knows his stuff. He has worked in the wine industry in Oregon, Michigan, and New Zealand. I am excited to see where he is stylistically. We are lucky to have Dave's skill and knowledge.

Rob Powell, our long time cellarmaster, left the winery the end of August. He is taking a much needed break from work. He is a creative guy and I'm sure he will find something fun to do. I miss his humor, wine patience (with me), and vast knowledge of pop culture. He always had a story to share and recommendations for entertainment.

We have several new releases: 2006 Baco Noir, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 Gewurztraminer, 2007 Viognier, and 2007 Huxelrebe to mention a few. We also have a Hard Apple Cider that is fun for the holidays. We are offering "Party in a Box" which includes 2 each of the following wines: 2007 Pinot Gris, 2007 Tempranillo Rose, 2007 Sweet Camille, 2004 Syrah, 2005 Durif, and D'Vine Red. This is being sold at $144 (a case of great wine for $12/bottle).

I better wrap this up. The phone has been ringing off the hook and grapes just came in. Off I go!