Harvest is over.  Even the Harvest Party is over.  It seems that everything we’ve done this year has been early.  That’s not a problem.  When we harvest early, we eliminate a lot of issues like rain or frost or a stretched out picking season.  Fast and furious was what took place.  We picked our first grapes the last two weeks of August, which is at least three weeks earlier than the norm.  We had very favorable weather - dry, warm, and lots of sun.  As a result, almost all varieties were picked at optimum levels of maturity.  This vintage has the potential for greatness.  The past three years have been a grape grower’s dream.  All of these wines have an element of excitement.

 

The other excitement is the fun had by all at the Harvest Party!  Andy, Anjie, winery crew, tasting room staff, and helpers from the vineyard put together a fun time with wine lovers, club members, and friends.  

 

2012 Sparkling Wine: We’ve been drinking our Blanc de Noirs for about the last year and a half.  It was a great hit and will return with the 2013 vintage.  The 2012 is a return to the Brut at 50% Chardonnay and 50% Cabernet, which we’ve done in the past and which has been our biggest award winning Sparkling.  We made a small change in residual sugar from 1.0 to .82, which made it slightly drier.  I wouldn’t say that previous vintages were sweet, but they were flirting with the border.  This adjustment puts it right where it needs to be.  Both grape juices were co-fermented to give us a little bit of something extra.  I don’t have to tell you what to do with bubbly during the holidays!  Enjoy.

 

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - Special Club Reserve: 100% Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon from a Valley View Vineyard slope, the steepest slope in all our vineyards.  It’s deep in color - I get hints of dark cherry and almost a roasted cinnamon after taste.  This wine was held back for a little more age and it’s ready to drink.  I think the bottle should be opened for a couple of hours before consuming to get the full effect of the wine.  Clone 337 has become a stalwart in California Cabernet production.  Best with steak, grilled meats, prime rib, and Anjie says with duck - I don’t eat anything that quacks!  I like my duck on the pond.  

 

I DON’T want to think about pruning yet but all you hackers get ready for January!  I’m trying to get one of my neighbors to use his vineyard.  He says he doesn’t have enough insurance for you guys!  

 

We at Lucas & Lewellen have nothing but happy thoughts and gratitude for everyone.  God, country, family, friends.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from Royce and me.