Sep 30 2007
Off to Pick Grapes
I just wanted to prove I got up early.
Archive for September, 2007
Sep 28 2007
Mourning: 2006 “Gardner’s Block” Cabernet
Microorganisms have wrecked about four gallons of the “Gardner’s Block” Cabernet. It’s a sad day. I opened the keg to take a sample and saw a rainbow-colored slick on the top. The smell confirmed my fears. I tasted it from the top and the bottom; the infection is all the way through. Oh well, we must move on. I need to use more SO2, that is clear.
Sep 26 2007
2007 Harvest Set
This Sunday, 9/30/07 we will be driving up to Sonoma to harvest, then crushing that afternoon here.
Sep 24 2007
Vinquiry Lab Results 2006 Merlot (Update)
9/21
Here are the real results from Vinquiry:
pH - 3.70 - Autotitrator
Titratable Acidity - 0.592 g/100mL - Autotitrator
Free SO2 - None detected - Segmented Flow
Total SO2 - None detected - Segmented Flow
Volatile Acidity - 0.080 g/100mL - Segmented Flow
Malic Acid - 3 mg/100mL - Enzymatic
Now I just need to figure out what this all means!
I am most surprised at the complete lack of SO2. Gotta fix that soon. I don’t know what amount of Malic acid defines a complete ML fermentation. Watch this space for more info.
Sep 21 2007
2007 Estimated Grape Prices
Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc are the big winners this year. The NVG recommends the following price ranges, per ton, for 2007 Napa Valley appellation high quality wine grapes:
| Chardonnay: $2,400-$2,900 | Sauvignon Blanc: $1,800-$2,100 |
| Semillon: $1,900-$2,200 | Pinot Gris: $1,900-$2,200 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon: $4,000-$4,800 | Cabernet Franc: $4,200-$4,800 |
| Merlot: $2,800-$3,200 | Malbec: $3,800-$4,300 |
| Petit Verdot: $4,800-$5,400 | Petite Sirah: $3,200-$3,600 |
| Pinot Noir: $3,100-$3,600 | Sangiovese: $1,900-$2,200 |
| Syrah: $2,800-$3,200 | Zinfandel: $2,900-$3,400 |
Source: Napa Valley Grapegrowers
Sep 20 2007
2006 Merlot Lab Tests
I pulled off 300 ml to send to Vinquiry today. After racking I took the left-overs and ran my own lab tests on it. Here are my numbers, they seem a little weird.
TA = .65%
pH = 3.66
SO2 = 45 +
The acid should be higher considering the pH and SO2 seems high as well. Now we get to see what the pros say. I will post the numbers as soon as I get them.
Oh yeah, and a welcome to JoeV, Wise Acres General Counsel.
Sep 19 2007
Harvest Update
After speaking with Levi it looks like we will be picking either 9/29 or 9/30. We are going to get the grapes from the other vineyard from our usual rows. Even with the pruning problem I am assured they are good. Hopefully we can get both lots in the same day.
