Lynn's 2008 Harvest Update

To be honest, during the first part of September I was extremely nervous going into Harvest. With intermittent rain throughout September, our vineyard samplings were showing the majority of our vineyards below 20 brix with green under ripe flavors - not even close to maturity. It would take a persistent spell of dry, warm weather to give us the necessary heat units to bring our vineyards to full maturity. Even after 26 years, I still find the weeks leading up to Harvest the most difficult. It's during this time of uncertainty the mind plays tricks on you - always second guessing, always playing out worst case scenario. It gives me greater respect for my grandfather who farmed for over 50 years in California's Central Valley. The general perception of the wine industry is wrapped around winemakers soaking in sun-filled, lazy days sipping great wine in something other than jeans, most often referred to as "The Good Life" - did you even see someone actually working in "Sideways"? While we certainly enjoy periods of hedonistic pleasure, the sleepless nights leading up to a potentially difficult Harvest is flat-out agony. And this year was no exception. Due to our wet, cool spring bloom was late, which in turn pushes harvest out. Our cool climate viticulture is ideal for Pinot noir, but when you push the envelope into a November harvest, the scenario could get ugly... fast. Why? Because it rains in November, often in buckets! Disease pressure and berries soaking up water are winemaking challenges, often leading to less than mediocre wines.

All this said, Mother Nature was extremely kind to us as October brought an extended period of warm, dry days. This 11th hour surge gave us the necessary bump to bring the vineyards into full maturation. Beyond the great numbers demonstrating optimal brix, pH and acid, the fruit has wonderful red current and raspberry with sweet, broad texture and vibrant acidity. The fermentations have filled the cellar with wonderful aromas of... yes, dare I say now... "The Good Life". A touch of cautious optimism recently had me on our winery patio with our crew enjoying the last remaining sun-drenched days of fall sipping a bottle of 2006 Penner-Ash Seven Springs Pinot Noir... wine-stained jeans washed and tucked away for next year's Harvest.