Harvest Notes: In Comes Cab

Winemaker Kevin Willenborg reports that we are completely through harvesting the Estate Gewurztraminer, and almost finished with harvesting the Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and the later-to-ripen Riesling blocks. Overall, he's very pleased with the 2009 harvest so far. Heat spikes in late August and through September helped advance the ripening of fruit, while lowering the acidity. There are moderate yields with good flavor development and slightly softer acid profiles for all aromatic varietals. Fruit has been picked at night to early mornings to take advantage of the cool night time temperatures and retain more of the delicate flavors.

Pictured to the left is Winemaker Paul Warson's snapshot of the first bunch of Goodnight Cabernet Sauvignon headed for crushing and destemming. We can't wait for that first barrel sample! This is the point where we all have to exercise some serious patience.