It is commonly thought that a “stressed” vine produces the best wine with the most intense flavors.  This train of thought is great marketing for certain terrains and climates.  But, the jury is still really out on if there is much truth to this.  Research, as well as Kyle and my Dad, point to the success of creating great wine to a ”balanced” vine.  It is important, especially in the great growing climate that we have, to manipulate the vines throughout the season in order to create balance.  The right level of crop, the right amount of foliage, the right amount of water are a just few factors that we work to control each year.  At this time of the year, the crews are busy shoot thinning.    Each block is shoot thinned according to it’s age, variety, vigor and growing history to name a few factors.  This is the simple process of removing some of the young tender shoots to begin to control some of the above named factors….crop level, foliage vigor as well as air circulation and sunlight.  And the point is of course, great fruit which is essential to great wine!  So, next time you have a glass of your favorite wine, appreciate all the hands that have been involved just creating the starting point…..the winegrapes!

REWARDS & AWARDS
Well…it has been a very busy last couple weeks at the winery.  Organizing glass, labels, capsules, corks, etc. to prepare for bottling day. Then this last week was filled with final blending and filtering of the wine.   All this in preparation for bottling on last Friday…..which took about 6 hours total.  Lots of preparation for the final piece in the winemaking process.  But each little piece is so important to getting the final product right.  I do have to say that it is very rewarding to see the wine come off the bottling line.  Such a relief to know that all the pieces have come together finally.  And even better when you are excited about what’s in the bottle….which we are!!!  This bottling included our 2008 Rose, 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel and, for the first time, our 2008 Albarino.  The Rose and Albarino should be ready to release in the next couple months.  The Old Vine Zinfandel will cellar a little longer first.  Can’t wait!!!!

There have been new awards to brag about too.  The Lodi International Wine Awards held last month brought us some more “bling”.  Our 2006 Petite Sirah tied for Best of Class and our Primitivo received a Diversity Platinum, which means it took GOLD in all three tasting groups!  To round it out the 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel received a Diversity Tri-Medal and the Tempranillo took a Diversity Tri-Silver.  This is an interesting competition that aims to match the consumer with wines that will be appealing to their particular tasting sensitivity level.  For more information visit www.lodiwineawards.com.

Most recently, we were notified that our 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel was chosen as one of the “12 Zins of Lodi”.  This is quite an honor as we all know how great Lodi Zinfandels are!!!!  We are excited to be included in such a great group of wines and excited about the exposure this will bring!  To read more about the judging see the article in the Lodi News Sentinel.

Cheers until next time!