It’s “Back to School” month here at the big red schoolhouse and the vinous students are already showing up for class. First to arrive, and quite early, were Pinot Noir 667 and Pinot Noir 05, on August 19, the earliest matriculation ever. A small cropload, due to the drought and the very protacted bloom that occurred during the foggy month of May, exacerbated early ripening of those two clones.
Their fellow students, Pinot Noir 115 and 777, which saw a mch more robust fruit set, along with the rather healthy crop of Chardonnay (albeit with much smaller berries, many with fewer seeds than in the past), plan to enroll quite soon, followed by Merlot (lots of shatter and green berries), Syrah and Cabernet Franc, with more students trickling in at the end of the month or early October. It all depends on how warm the next few weeks prove to be. Moderation is our friend, and we prefer to have flavor development that occurs slowly and evenly, to the burst of ripening that often occurs with heat spikes.
But, we have no choice in the matter, and will take what comes. That’s farming!
Every weekend in September is a harvest “show and tell” with grapes and fresh juice to sample, along with the sights and scents of Vintage 2015. It’s a perfect time for a visit, tastes of Winemaker Dave’s current vintages and a chance to take some great BSV wines home to savor and share.
EVENTS
September 5th and 6th, LRC Days. Library Reserve Club members are invited to taste their library wines and enjoy seasonal nibbles from Anne’s garden.
September 7th, Tasting Room is open Labor Day Monday.
September 12th and 13th, Capitola Art and Wine Festival. Visit us at the best art and wine festival on the whole Central Coast Art, wine, music, food and fun for the whole family! www.capitolaartandwine.com
September 19th, Grazing on the Green. Join us at Aptos Village Park for a day of fine wine, food and music, all to aid the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group. One of the best fundraising events of the year! www.sccbg.org/events
September 25, Farm-to-Table dinner at Chaminade with The Summit to Sea Wineries, featuring Everett Family Farms. Tickets, $110 pp. Reserve at 831.475.5600 or http://www.chaminade.com/santacruz_restaurants/farmtotable/
