Spring is here at the winery. The trees are blooming and some of the flowers are coming up. What does that mean for the grapes? Not much yet….we are looking forward to an early spring though. An early spring will usually help the vines ripen early in October or maybe late September. In the Willamette Valley the longer we let the fruit hang- the darker and richer the flavors tend to be on the reds- particularly Pinot Noir. Of course we have nearly 8 months to go until harvest and you can’t count your grapes before they hatch (or is that eggs?).
In other news the 2008 Pinot is a month or two away from release. Nice dark fruit, with cherry overtones and lighter oak was our style for this vinetage. A very nice wine and we are all looking forward to it! Also we have are just about to release the Kitara barrel select 2007 Pinot Noir and will be tasting during our St Josef’s Day Fest on April 10 & 11th. While we were worried that the 07 wouldn’t hold it’s own with the other barrel selects- I have to say this is one of my favorites! Really elegant, burgundy style (red subtle fruit with great oak balance & long finish)- not new world fruity & slight.
Come on out & join us…
Also- if you didn’t know that RED WINE is EVEN HEALTHIER than BEFORE- check out the attached article. Red & White wines actually can help you keep from putting on a few pounds (I guess that’s why you don’t see large french people).. This is from wine spectator but also published via NPR, NY Times and even the Bombay (India) News.