LEAP DAY!
We’re reveling in the gift of one extra day this year, as we celebrate Leap Day, February 29, 2016! Perhaps we’ll open a special bottle of wine from our library stash: or, enjoy some of that amazing new 2013 High School Sweethearts, a compelling blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that has everyone talking.
LOOKS LIKE SPRING IN THE VINEYARDS
Meanwhile, there’s no doubt that it’s starting to feel a lot like spring, and a lot less like winter. The days are longer and brighter, and the daffodils are blooming everywhere. In the vineyard, the floor is aglow with bright yellow oxalis flowers and verdant clover from the cover crop mix planted earlier for erosion control. Fruit trees are beginning to sprout.
If the weather experts are correct, we can expect more welcome rain, perhaps at the end of this week. March looks to come in like a lamb, but hopefully, will develop some lion like tendencies and help fill our reservoirs and wells.
PRUNING: WINTER HAIRCUT FOR VINES
The Estate vines have been completely pruned and that’s no small feat, as we have 12,500 vines to prune! Did you know our largest number of vines is Merlot at 3000? And yet, Merlot is one of the least planted varieties in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. We love our estate Honor Roll Merlot. Sadly, last year’s crop was very tiny.
AWAITING BUD BREAK
Last year, we recorded our first bud break on February 27th, so we’re holding our breath for a later start this season.
TASTE THE FUTURE
Sippers Club members, come pick up your current Sippers Club package and barrel taste the 2014s with Winemaker Dave in the cellar. Remember, futures wine pricing is 50% off regular retail pricing. Hope like a bunny to purchase some great wines at great prices.
EVENTS
March 1st-13th—Cinequest, downtown San Jose. Burrell School vineyards is proud to be a sponsoring winery. www.cinequest.org
March weekends: Taste the Future—Barrel tasting and futures sales in the cellar for Sippers Club members. Taste and purchase the following wines:
- 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, $240/case
- 2014 Cabernet Franc, $240/case
- 2014 High School Sweethearts (Cab Franc & Merlot), $228/case
- 2014 Syrah, $210/case
March 17th—Saint Patrick’s Day. Good day to visit and admire the “greening” of the vineyard.
March 27th—Easter Sunday. Tasting room is closed
COMING UP: APRIL 16, Silicon Valley Wine Auction
Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Silicon Valley Wine Auction at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, April 16. Get ready to bid on some outstanding auction items and taste wines from the region’s premiere wineries who have made Santa Cruz Mountains synonymous with mountain-grown Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.