One day closer, The winery is completed and will see the inspector for the final time on Friday. It is a good thing as Alder Ridge Merlot will arive on Saturday. The first Crush will be Sunday morning and if all goes well will be very quick. It has been very warm this week so I expect the Merlot to be very ripe! The winemaking side of things should pickup soon!
Merlot is getting pretty close but we are hoping to wait unti the 1st of October to harvest. The cool weather has slowed maturity down quite a bit so we are getting some extra hangtime which is great. We are also looking at adding some extra cabernet sav from two new vineyards which will be exciting.
The winery is under full power and is awaiting a final coat of paint, the plumber to do the final water hookup and a couple of TTB and LCB signatures.
Bob and I made it out to both Snypes and Alder Ridge. The vineyards are in great shape. Maturity wise we are a bit behind last year but if the weather keeps warm should catch up. The numbers are running something like this.
Snypes Merlot 19+ brix
Alder Merlot 20+ brix
Alder Cab. F. 19+ brix
Alder Cab. S. 18 brix
Things are moving along and we expect the first Merlot to be harvested around the first week of Oct.
As for the Winery, nothing like coming down to the last minute. The plumbing should be done tomorrow and the insulation should be finished on Friday. Drywall, paint and epoxy flooring and then we are finished and ready for wine.
jd
Bob and Jason at Alder Ridge
