The End Draws Near

There's a lot to look forward to next week, like temperatures pushing into the low 80s. That's a little abnormal for this time of year, but it's exactly what we need right now. It would dry out the vineyards and allow us to finish picking those last bunches of Cabernet Sauvignon. The sugar levels are still a little lower than I'd like to see them and a few days of heat would put the grapes in better condition.

We can tolerate a few days of rain like we've had this week, but we'd have to reassess things if it goes on for too long. Luckily, virtually all the fruit is in by now with just a few tons left on the vine. The worst case scenario is we don't pick that Cab. I'd rather sacrifice that small amount of fruit than bring in substandard grapes. It's been a great harvest and I certainly don't want to do anything that would damage that fact.

The slower pace has made this harvest a little easier. There's always a long list of tasks for the cellar crew--pumpovers, digging out tanks, bringing in the new barrels (a truck filled with 232 arrived this morning). And while we are still running around-the-clock shifts, we've had the luxury of allowing some of the crew a much deserved day-off here and there.