I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am very thankful for the half a crop that I got this year! It could have been less. Really, we have much to be thankful for. I think we all seem to take too many things for granted.

Finishing the harvest early has given us a chance to do a lot of things in the vineyard in the form of repairs to trellis systems, checking our irrigation systems, and taking a good look at the fertility of the vines. In the meantime, the drought is becoming more of a factor and the importance of having a good rainy season can’t be overstated. We’re seeing increased salts in the soil, which a good rain would dilute, and a need for deeper moisture levels under the vines. The primary need is to replenish our ground water, which we depend on. Farming is not a perfect venture but more of an adventure! Preparation for this coming year is going to require a little more micromanagement of things that we do.

We are looking forward to the Christmas season. The most important thing is to celebrate the giving that you did all year. It’s a special time.

2012 Rosso Dolce - Who would dare make a sweet red wine? I’m guilty. The grape Freisa has been made in many different ways, sparkling, dry, and sweet. It has some history. At 4.8 g/L, the amount of sugar is that of a sweet wine but the berry type flavors and the huge tannins of the Freisa grape make it not taste that sweet. It’s become very popular in our Tasting Room and has been making the best seller list. In today’s marketplace, it is amazing how many wines, both red and white, have some sugar in them. It seems to add to the flavors and mouth feel of the wine and meet our natural craving for sweets. I like this wine with turkey and cranberry sauce or a peppered steak, and with desserts like Chocolate Pecan Pie.

2012 Riserva - Classy wine! It is well balanced and shows the influence of some new barrels. 2012 is turning out to be one of our best vintages ever. Our blend in this wine is pretty much the same as in the past, roughly 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Sangiovese with a little bit of Freisa, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This is a true super Tuscan style wine and would be best enjoyed with the main entrée.

Looking forward to all of you hackers joining us for Prune-a-Row in January! Check your boots (and your medical insurance!)

This is the season of our greatest gift. The Lucas & Lewellen family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a New Year full of hope and peace.