Journal | August 31, 2017
Hardscrabble Journal
Tough Decisions
Vintage 2017 is starting with a bit of anxiety. While picking has started, it has now stopped as we are still waiting for a bit more ripening of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. They are very very close, but if we picked now, the wines would be a bit green with unbalanced acidity. The remnants of Harvey will probably bring some rain, which is disconcerting. However the temperatures will be cool. I have found that rain with cool temperatures has minimal impact on the fruit. If it was predicted to be warm I would consider picking now.
The first day of crush was Tuesday. Things went extremely smoothly. Today Jonathan is racking (pumping clear juice off its sediment (lees)) into barrels where fermentation will begin. Soon the aromas of fermentation will fill the cellar.
Looks like next week will start in ernest with young vine Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay leading off. Avenius Chardonnay after that. If we can hold ’em through the rain and they stay in good shape we will have some very nice wines.
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