We received an email from Dave Zuchero at Tin Lizzie Wineworks that the Stagecoach grapes are going to be harvested today. The Cabernet Sauvignon is measured at 25 brix. That level will produce a 13.75% alcohol wine. Interesting to note that the degree days, as measured in Oakville in Napa Valley, hit 2410 mark on October 10th. Cabernet Sauvignon likes 2400 heat degree days and it looks like vineyards in Napa Valley hit that number, just another piece of data. Possible more important is the lack of rain in the area. In 2009 when we first made a couple barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes sourced from California, there was several inches of rainfall prior to the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest. Although harvested a week later, the grapes did not loose all the water they picked up.

What happens now? The grapes will be placed in lugs and the lugs will be loaded onto a refrigerated truck. The truck drives the almost three thousand miles across the country. Our Cabernet Sauvignon is scheduled for destemming on Saturday the 20th, bright and early in the morning. That is assuming that the truck can make the 3000 mile trip in a week. Back in 2009, we destemmed at Tin Lizzie on October 31st (pictured). This years weather is putting us eleven days ahead of 2009. It may be too early to judge the wine before we even receive the grapes; however, we are excited. The weather in Napa Valley has been great and the 2012 season is shaping up to be a great vintage year.

Cheers,
Terry