Syrah is one of the last grape varietals to hang in cool climate Petaluma Gap terroir. This year, with the drought and Indian Summer heat peaks, harvest on Rivetti Mountain was a few weeks earlier than it has been in recent years. The fruit, as you can see, was perfect. If we'd waited any longer, yellow jackets would have sucked 'em dry, so it was now or never for a super quick pick and crush this past weekend.
Winemaking amici Mike and Timo take five to contemplate the sugars and quality of their crop.
Fog Valley Crush editor and fellow Southern Sonoma country adventurer, Elaine spent the morning sorting stems and soaking up some quality time with one another!
Forza Italia. Two Italians intent on their vintning!
Rosie the pup's first harvest. She ate a lot of grapes. Good thing they weren't fermented yet.
A bin full of crushed Syrah sits in our garage beginning its alchemic process in today (Sunday's) still soaring heat.
Meantime, it's back to the keyboard for me to focus on the last two days of my Kickstarter Campaign for pre-orders of my book. Click here and you might just be the 100th person to get your holiday shopping done for all the food and wine lovers on your list!
This 2014 harvest vintage will be ready to drink in about 18 months time. It is definitely our Fog Valley Crush limited edition and I couldn't be happier that the fruit is so stellar.
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