Wise Acres Winery

2004 Chardonnay (ML), 2004 “Yellow Stripe” Chardonnay (No ML), 2003 Cabernet.

The first Grout Cellars bottling party was great fun! I am very excited about the 2004 vintage. Both the Cabernet and Chardonnay are tasting great.

The 2003 Cabernet will hopefully improve. The grapey, musty flavors are still strong; flavors are a little flat.

Racking the 2004 Chardonnay (ML) before bottling.

Nico labelling.

Michael on quality control.

Le Corquier Prime

Thank you to everyone who came over to help.

I preparation for bottling I added potassium metabisulfite to the wines:

2003 Cabernet: added 0.5g for a total of 30 ppm
2004 Cabernet: added 0.47g for a total of 30 ppm (not bottling today)

2004 Chardonnay (No ML): added .2g for a total of 25 ppm
2004 Chardonnay (ML): None added, already at 25 ppm

Surprisingly, this wine is aging nicely. Had a few bad bottles in the past, but the funky tartness is less pronounced and oxidation is just a at pleasant level. A honey-richness is coming out, great round mouth-feel, but a little low on acid for my taste, but Heidi likes it. Look for the 2004 to improve this. The nose is strikingly fruity, led by tropical mango and pineapple. I am happy it is not all off.

It was a big hit at PJ’s birthday party. Screams of, “More Grout!” could be heard throughout the night. (Thanks, Larry)

   Wine             pH           TA         SO2

2003               3.55        .70%        25 ppm
2004               3.66        .78%        16 ppm?

   Wine             pH           TA         SO2

#1 (no ML)       3.54        .75%        18 ppm
#2 (ML)            3.66        .70%        22 ppm