2013 Harvest Update #2
As promised, the harvest updates will keep on coming until all the grapes have been picked and processed! As I mentioned in the last harvest update, this is the earliest harvest on record for Castoro and that has not changed. We have even picked some of our Cabernet before Chardonnay and that is unheard of, or as Niels puts it “bizarre.” There is really never a dull moment around these parts.
Overall, everything is ripening very well, which is mainly a result of the warm weather and stress on the vines as a result. Some years we have very large yields (tons per acre) and other years very low, this year is right in the middle. The quality of the fruit continues to be very good and if we can avoid frost or early rain we are right on track for a very tasty vintage. Some of the standout lots so far have been Whale Rock Pinot Grigio, Whale Rock Chardonnay, and Whale Rock Pinot Noir. This really puts a smile on our faces, as the organically grown Whale Rock Vineyard is our pride and joy. Niels pointed out to me that this year the Blind Faith Pinot Noir and Whale Rock Pinot Noir were picked on the same day (Blind Faith is an East Side Vineyard and Whale Rock is West Side) and they are historically picked a month apart with Blind Faith coming in first.
In other exciting winery news, our still has been running daily, as Mikel fine-tunes our production. He has been busy distilling various Grappas, Brandies, and fruit distillates in an effort to learn as much as possible so we can eventually bring you a product that meets our high standards of quality. The next step beyond distilling will be designing our label and packaging for the distillates. The options are endless but I can assure you we will come up with something classic, fun and fitting! Once we have that all taken care of, the grappas etc will be available for purchase in our Tasting Room. We may even have a special party at the winery to introduce the still so stay tuned!
Till Next Time,
Cheers,
Luke
