Wine club members, your shipments will go out early next week: two bottles of our 2009 Russian River Pinot Noir, a satisfying Pinot with a classic Russian River profile. We hope you enjoy them! Not a wine club member? Join now to receive this shipment for only $50 plus tax and shipping (or, if you’re local to San Francisco, leverage our no-cost pickup option). Happy Holidays!
First, a thanks to Ame who has picked up our 2009 Green Valley Pinot Noir — very talented folks making stunningly beautiful meals. And I dare say their simplicity and restraint make a very nice complement to our Green Valley Pinot. Second, a big thanks to all with whom I met at the Soiree Des Arts et Des Vins at the Ferry Building. This event remains one of the most enjoyable of the year for me, both for the great people and their great thirst. We were once again one of the biggest sellers among the 25 wineries present. Finally, a nod to my co-pilot on deliveries this month, Mr. Reed Wait, shown here inspecting cases on a pick-up at Vintner’s Express in South San Francisco where we currently store our case goods.
Monday, November 21, 2011Posted by Bobat 4:10 pmin blog0 comments
Just a quick note to say that both the 2011 Green Valley and Russian River (Flanagan) Pinot Noirs are resting in barrel, with the secondary (malolactic) fermentation just beginning to start naturally in the Flanagan. Both tasting auspicious; the Green Valley in particular showing more layers of minerality and dark cherry; sitting currently at %13.37 alcohol. The Chardonnay is still in its primary ferment, and will be through mid December I’m guessing. Creeping along at 10-15 degrees C, still sweet w/some effervescence, lots of tropical fruit right now, bananas and pineapple, mostly transient notes which will diminish significantly toward January. A nice mouth-feel and earthiness is growing underneath the tropics. I’ll also be taking this tank fermented Chard through malo.
Dean focusing on chocolate croissant as we get ready to press the Devoto. Dialing in the press program; flavors right on the money; got just under 7 barrels of Devoto this year from 2.6 tons, almost 5 of them free run. Much different than 2010 (where we battled significant September heat); and we pulled this before the rains so there was no rain-aided plumping. Dean (Chris in background) dancing on pommace. Who doesn’t end their day this way? Am trying a Hungarian Francois Frere barrel this year (one of 9); same species as their French barrel, tighter grain, smells amazing, all the quality is there. Will be monitoring closely in the new year however; while respected for those tight grains, Hungarian is sometimes thought to “give it up” all at once, in which case I’ll rack off early.
