The Calm Before the Storm

An undisturbed sea of Pinot Noir

Any great vintage needs a lull before the harvest turns full tilt and your head begins to spin. Today, quite possibly was that day. Althought many trips were taken back and forth throghout the Russian River Valley, hauling tractors and tractors with light-towers and others with forklifts to and fro, overall the day chugged along at a steady union pace.

Tomorrow, however, will be a day of judgement. Six picks in the course of 8 hours. Two picks by night and four by the din of the rising sun. Four crews will work there magic, pulling Russian River Pinot Noir off the vines for a couple stand out producers. Think big, bold, 5 year wait mailing list Pinot!

My job: supervise a four acre pick off of Olivet Road. Picker's cant pick too quick, clones must be properly labeled and transport must arrive as soon as the vines have been striped to the bare canes. Responsibility had to knock sometime and I guess 28 years after keeping it at bay now is my time to shine.

Hasta manana! Te contare la buena!

Syrah sitting tight