Was a characteristically foggy morning on 8/20, the sun just starting to make advances. Here’s a shot of the charming, unassuming Devoto sign. Looking north over Sebastopol from the 828 block on Gold Ridge. Weather’s been steady, grapes look great; since last week the median brix has risen 1 degree to 18.1. Am anticipating harvesting around 24 brix; flavors, weather, and pH will be other big considerations. (I don’t have a great way to measure TA in the field, but may also be taking samples in to the lab in SF). Next week Stan will be going through the block and dropping green clusters like those pictured here. He will likely be cutting the water to these guys in the next week or so. (This “deficit irrigation” approach is pretty standard for premium fruit). I’m not the only one enthused by this fruit; note the damage done by uninvited beaks on this cluster (which measured 20 brix — can the birds sense which clusters are sweeter?). Consequently, Stan’s begun putting reflective tape up to discourage birds, and is considering an investment in netting for next year.
Took the first of weekly field measurements through harvest at the Devoto Garden Vineyard on Thursday 8/13. I really need to take a better picture; this place is gorgeous, on the crest of Gold Ridge with sweeping views of Sebastopol and beyond. Veraison began about the beginning of August. Temperatures have been somewhat consistently in the 80’s during the day, 50’s at night. 90-95% of the berries have turned color. The median brix reading from berry samples throughout the 828 block was 17. Flavors are tart, young, tannic, but with darker cola bean notes and appreciable intensity.
From: Info [mailto:info@sfwineassociation.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:36 AM To: ‘Info’ Subject: Bartz-Allen Winery, Kindred Wines and Wait Cellars join the San Francisco Wine Association For Immediate Release Contact: San Francisco Wine Association John D. Tarabini, President 415-695-0221 john@sfwineassociation.com Bartz-Allen Winery, Kindred Wines and Wait Cellars join the San Francisco Wine Association Noted boutique wineries join growing alliance of elite urban wineries SAN FRANCISCO, CA (June 24, 2009) – The San Francisco Wine Association announced today that Bartz-Allen Winery, Kindred Wines and Wait Cellars, three leading California boutique wineries, have joined as members of the growing organization. The SFWA, which promotes and sells first-rate, hand-crafted wines that are produced in San Francisco, now boasts 20 of the nation’s premier vintners as members. “These outstanding wineries, which produce incredible, hand-crafted vintages in San Francisco, are a natural fit for the SFWA,” said John Tarabini, president. “They represent the new face of modern winemaking and will certainly help expand the market for boutique wines,” he added. Rather than spend lavish sums on large chateaus, sparkling waterfalls and fancy tasting rooms, SFWA member wineries invest in the finest grapes, cutting-edge equipment, outstanding winemakers and the time needed to develop small lots […]
Tuesday, August 11, 2009Posted by Bobat 4:04 pmin blog0 comments
Wait Cellars Friends of Wait Cellars! You’re receiving this because you signed up at a Wait Cellars tasting table, or have otherwise enjoyed a delicious Wait Cellars Pinot Noir! In addition to a beautiful 2007 Russian River Pinot that has been pre-released as of May, and a 2008 which is integrating nicely in barrels, there is some other important news: Wait Cellars is now available for purchase online at waitcellars.com. As a friend of Wait Cellars, please enter the promo code FRIENDOWAIT during checkout to receive your 20% discount off the retail price! Wait Cellars will be pouring its 2007 Russian River Pinot Noir at the San Francisco Wine Association‘s Spring Fling tasting on Thursday, May 7th, from 5:30 to 8pm. It would be a pleasure to see you there! See their Spring Fling flyer for more details and advanced tickets. Wait Cellars will be forming a Google group through which future news and promotions will be announced. You’ll be receiving an email inviting you to join. If you’d prefer to receive no more email, simply don’t join this group. Know that if you do join, your email address will never be shared or used for purposes […]
