Spring has sprung and the first bud break has hit our vineyards.  You may know that when the buds come out on the vines that it kicks off the season at a winery. Last year the ‘bud break’ was really late due to a cool spring.  What happened is that less fruit developed – but what did develop was much more intense in terms of both flavor and body.  We are currently going through secondary fermentation on our Estate Pinot Noir and 2008 is really shaping up.  Lots of pepper, spice and vanilla. I was stuck in the cellar for a couple of days tasting the barrels to see how the process was going. (yes- it’s a tough job but somebody has to do it). Unfortunately I couldn’t decide which barrels I liked the most.  We are looking forward to having some folks come out & do some tastings with us.  Let us know if you have some friends who might like to ‘help’ out.