After making a number of trips to this vineyard Keith Klingele and I decided the merlot was ready. This is a great cool (as far as the Yakima Valley goes) site that allows for extended hang time. This fruit is very complex, and will be a great companion to the Alder Ridge.

With only a day to spare we picked up one ton of AlderRidge Merlot. We were one of the last if not the last winery to pick merlot so it was sweet and concentrated. Still the fruit is showing deep vibrant flavors and great color.

Alder Ridge Merlot

Finally! we have our bonding paper work! Bring on the grapes!

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