tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339012932024-03-14T05:59:04.496-05:00r o c k r o o mwe learn best by doing, so we are expanding our knowledge of wine by making the stuff. post your thoughts and let's enjoy some wine together soon - making AND drinking.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-39501251176515734002012-05-29T19:27:00.000-05:002012-05-29T19:28:03.809-05:00BR Barbera<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptkpsbS9hxIzDBEQpzwP6ZTXrCcEWIaodpSkUiLxeLMbFxfd28l3FIYWRVIdeQS5NwX6wbzHI_7He1KgMx3hZ3VvycXC9JRhyyBYAjHgTLhWrclDVr8e62HeEfZvyK4lWsst-/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU29ub21hLTIwMTIwNTI5LTAwMzM5LmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-783810"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptkpsbS9hxIzDBEQpzwP6ZTXrCcEWIaodpSkUiLxeLMbFxfd28l3FIYWRVIdeQS5NwX6wbzHI_7He1KgMx3hZ3VvycXC9JRhyyBYAjHgTLhWrclDVr8e62HeEfZvyK4lWsst-/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU29ub21hLTIwMTIwNTI5LTAwMzM5LmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-783810" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748116587279914882" /></a></p>A good stop for olive oil, and maybe barbera. Sourcing from Mendocino County this B.R. Cohn 09 barbera (their first attempt at this Italian varietal) shows nice fruit. We have not made a barbera yet as the hunt continues for just the right fruit. OK we did have that one experimental batch of Texas barbera...scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-45109872325904441432012-05-27T23:13:00.001-05:002012-05-27T23:13:51.512-05:00rose colored glasses<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh5dAeSyIIO05gRArYjCFSmBcCSnteTac91Vu8ogo_yTwBQvcjqeT1uM2lhORgWrw4VtrBU9SaDoCFV8hQ8gLSOaVVLUf5EOLvMoQ2EeeuVkpKkjQD8e0Vc1Y29gIzwTPRD72/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDEyMDUyNy0wMDMzMi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-731513"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh5dAeSyIIO05gRArYjCFSmBcCSnteTac91Vu8ogo_yTwBQvcjqeT1uM2lhORgWrw4VtrBU9SaDoCFV8hQ8gLSOaVVLUf5EOLvMoQ2EeeuVkpKkjQD8e0Vc1Y29gIzwTPRD72/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDEyMDUyNy0wMDMzMi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-731513" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747432603157668690" /></a></p>Great way to look at the world - through a glass of Zepaltas dry rose. As in the best French pinks, this one leads off with mouvedre followed by grenache and syrah. A terrific food wine with local salumi from True Grass Farms.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-43289638309310914772012-04-08T18:53:00.001-05:002012-04-08T18:53:53.321-05:00Nice Bou-chard<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrjC3jiytswOFJfb_3lPUca4K6i5N3uXE0w8rL1kRYkR9C8u4FsUOWDjJyVJx-6IMTDDKeuJYmQM5lugdGUOCCCujZ3Ol9zKWx-5_cUhrSfg6lEsVOcrTnWODM7c-_jVi2pph/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDEyMDQwOC0wMDMxMi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-733322"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrjC3jiytswOFJfb_3lPUca4K6i5N3uXE0w8rL1kRYkR9C8u4FsUOWDjJyVJx-6IMTDDKeuJYmQM5lugdGUOCCCujZ3Ol9zKWx-5_cUhrSfg6lEsVOcrTnWODM7c-_jVi2pph/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDEyMDQwOC0wMDMxMi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-733322" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729182435120313378" /></a></p>Fun to celebrate an Easter afternoon with a classic chardonnay from Burgundy.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-37278862861429586322012-02-18T00:22:00.001-06:002012-02-18T00:22:35.873-06:00Happy Couple<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcla8ZK5tV1gvCny0QNM8uslHcxVeNxXFdYfQrLzkF1OrRis8AL14TSFdDq5KVBMxMRZq3T09JRi9nYZevOnNkSm_zEDzEZvDue96J78SpC8OR8w5ZO3sdQheUvmVyrXaFjU7S/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDEyMDIxNS0wMDI1NC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-755874"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcla8ZK5tV1gvCny0QNM8uslHcxVeNxXFdYfQrLzkF1OrRis8AL14TSFdDq5KVBMxMRZq3T09JRi9nYZevOnNkSm_zEDzEZvDue96J78SpC8OR8w5ZO3sdQheUvmVyrXaFjU7S/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDEyMDIxNS0wMDI1NC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-755874" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710357259665536178" /></a></p>Nice Valentine's Day duo. Especially with parsnip cauliflower soup and beef burgundy.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-47345711985546582692011-11-24T20:52:00.001-06:002011-11-24T20:52:26.356-06:00Basic turkey<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdd-lSDTS1ADWiCyygy4wj5YlpzOj1Y6xe_GGbvejF9VTjdcKMyHrNXYzs52G2rCGACOKCwpDeZaxsRqV4dIAJHaqQReUN9YSSxZOP7Q4tdeXVjDUJQ2R0FsBxa0hMRxjxeeD/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTEyNC0wMDIwMi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-746357"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdd-lSDTS1ADWiCyygy4wj5YlpzOj1Y6xe_GGbvejF9VTjdcKMyHrNXYzs52G2rCGACOKCwpDeZaxsRqV4dIAJHaqQReUN9YSSxZOP7Q4tdeXVjDUJQ2R0FsBxa0hMRxjxeeD/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTEyNC0wMDIwMi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-746357" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678760865916019730" /></a></p>Thanksgiving pasture-raised roasted bird is good with a complex and elegant pinot noir. Like the 07 La Encantada Vineyard.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-6480828557496977482011-11-21T14:22:00.001-06:002012-02-21T11:48:18.171-06:00Last press of 2011<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWQjhBc6dRDiRbHIhZSlwIsdp6PmbSmB7-8vfiuCIMdPM32ZK7hsQfGbCbFuUKNJJb2QwdRNbWrT2mXMpvYrt6ogTSMMwh9sOAXtPtOkV7hySP9UUPq3B_l1T2i65LAacIN1c/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTEyMS0wMDE4Ny5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-715329"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWQjhBc6dRDiRbHIhZSlwIsdp6PmbSmB7-8vfiuCIMdPM32ZK7hsQfGbCbFuUKNJJb2QwdRNbWrT2mXMpvYrt6ogTSMMwh9sOAXtPtOkV7hySP9UUPq3B_l1T2i65LAacIN1c/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTEyMS0wMDE4Ny5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-715329" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677547401518047602" /></a></p>Atlas Peak cabernet sauvignon is in the press today.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-16663133085415821812011-11-10T17:47:00.001-06:002011-11-10T17:47:48.337-06:00catch this cab<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNsPjqNsBEkM89OgLoikytAx12fodypB2ymqLFe3vRmYQmYRZBogivbaxofQyqbYrK0ToiAXoSUzFzqLDbMHc04oSh4VFL3YShne20pbSkCuAbrsBH1f3ySRyWoANXg-sbhhyphenhyphen/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTExMC0wMDE3Ny5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-768338"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNsPjqNsBEkM89OgLoikytAx12fodypB2ymqLFe3vRmYQmYRZBogivbaxofQyqbYrK0ToiAXoSUzFzqLDbMHc04oSh4VFL3YShne20pbSkCuAbrsBH1f3ySRyWoANXg-sbhhyphenhyphen/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTExMC0wMDE3Ny5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-768338" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673518094739271378" /></a></p>Gorgeous Atlas Peak cabernet sauvignon finally began fermentation today. Look at that color! Smells like blueberry pie.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-83923200231916848092011-11-02T10:53:00.000-05:002011-11-02T11:04:45.195-05:00Cab loaded and ready<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDNSZX9YgJuQN5QuyOxQZpwuHkUxY27Jpp0AaZUDzF1sV_AqPqUb7A7MvmfbKQER5-BwF22YdmcZFvojNrQSxWJqd85SVOq_aS6FDRI0hZjoa3MzlhSDQ7s6sTnl2K2t5oMKn/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FTmFwYS0yMDExMTEwMi0wMDE2Ny5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-785196"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDNSZX9YgJuQN5QuyOxQZpwuHkUxY27Jpp0AaZUDzF1sV_AqPqUb7A7MvmfbKQER5-BwF22YdmcZFvojNrQSxWJqd85SVOq_aS6FDRI0hZjoa3MzlhSDQ7s6sTnl2K2t5oMKn/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FTmFwYS0yMDExMTEwMi0wMDE2Ny5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-785196" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670430082588889426" /></a></p>Our Napa cabernet sauvignon ready to head to the winery. Mix of clones 337 and 8.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-31528465658546774252011-11-02T10:28:00.000-05:002011-11-02T10:46:32.312-05:00Last Rockroom pick<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK8ozVLcajgqUUQMvZY2uQZTFKMzro74IaZ-_kKTcLtW4xHt0X5Axj0UAb3ijfK32UxW7hKGQbtsJPRQaxzGdOYxJLiCjIA8qvaPcinwkEu9OtCkmQjyNOVdAt1Lh3c5LLmyf/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FTmFwYS0yMDExMTEwMi0wMDE2Mi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-792312"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK8ozVLcajgqUUQMvZY2uQZTFKMzro74IaZ-_kKTcLtW4xHt0X5Axj0UAb3ijfK32UxW7hKGQbtsJPRQaxzGdOYxJLiCjIA8qvaPcinwkEu9OtCkmQjyNOVdAt1Lh3c5LLmyf/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FTmFwYS0yMDExMTEwMi0wMDE2Mi5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-792312" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670425385276492338" /></a></p>Up on windy Atlas Peak we are picking cabernet sauvignon today.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-9528586285100433852011-10-31T22:13:00.001-05:002011-10-31T22:13:23.742-05:00Happy Hallo-wine<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSzPjwz-J8F9jZkhmFcvgg08XU_KInFOIl-ce-R_dyhaXo5g_ur4BnVy0_F-1gO5IFvcKHrbLFCBxcm2ZkWfgZ5zS_JfhXEDLtnblcFzaT0PrFjZPlat6apkHnfjif2Hy0Fhm/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAzMS0wMDE1OS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-703743"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSzPjwz-J8F9jZkhmFcvgg08XU_KInFOIl-ce-R_dyhaXo5g_ur4BnVy0_F-1gO5IFvcKHrbLFCBxcm2ZkWfgZ5zS_JfhXEDLtnblcFzaT0PrFjZPlat6apkHnfjif2Hy0Fhm/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAzMS0wMDE1OS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-703743" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669860221868027234" /></a></p>Cheers!scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-20069843900549369862011-10-25T18:20:00.001-05:002011-10-25T18:20:55.888-05:00Cold ferment chardonnay<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmUgRWilZRWLprvAtTQs_5RwaULXOI-VTlKX3PIuUcBnkdKF5rQChKilCutYULB81rCiTdYrrtS6K1egrXD7yxQ7TpOp6tSkhXbebOdy5aWrcrOByAzfb8FEZ5jUDILC830nY/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAyNS0wMDE0NC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-755889"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmUgRWilZRWLprvAtTQs_5RwaULXOI-VTlKX3PIuUcBnkdKF5rQChKilCutYULB81rCiTdYrrtS6K1egrXD7yxQ7TpOp6tSkhXbebOdy5aWrcrOByAzfb8FEZ5jUDILC830nY/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAyNS0wMDE0NC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-755889" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667573801921566370" /></a></p>Bucking the no-oak trend, we are letting some nice Russian River chardonnay do its fermenting in French oak that has been used for previous wines. This allows for the benefits of traditional barrel fermentation without risking excessive oak flavors or aromas. And risking a slow (or stuck!) fermentation, we are doing this in a coldroom at 55 degrees in the hopes of preserving delicate aromatics that can blow off at high temperatures. Let's see how it all turns out - stay tuned.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-68459240055210774992011-10-22T16:56:00.000-05:002011-10-22T16:57:01.548-05:00a harvest saturday<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEsC1k03itI1FocG1Y2EcmPQ7yKQ8Y_66EJPHsfkfbQLqPLD-BwrI0SiXsfzoFhASsj2I5cJxnuq4qZwvz7dqHmMZ5oe_p7vb0sEDFmCHITVvhhjnRA6X07Fz0wiv7cZgKL-n/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAyMi0wMDE0MS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-721548"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEsC1k03itI1FocG1Y2EcmPQ7yKQ8Y_66EJPHsfkfbQLqPLD-BwrI0SiXsfzoFhASsj2I5cJxnuq4qZwvz7dqHmMZ5oe_p7vb0sEDFmCHITVvhhjnRA6X07Fz0wiv7cZgKL-n/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAyMi0wMDE0MS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-721548" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666438921540443282" /></a></p>Wine with lunch as the new wine makes itself all around us. 2007 rockroom chard tasting mighty fine these days, as is the Zepaltas 2009 pinot on the tablescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-19204045348190598942011-10-22T09:26:00.001-05:002011-10-22T09:26:26.162-05:00Key winemaking skill<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfBogW3KSeYaJhboZD_bkf8KZI2gXzMJWW5pbm2hxg1axKWLeCsRLeyV2kjJ7sC0n-_EZmPRu1EW2EelLwU9WtgECt85DeZ5wXFF2tpz_8SbHZpRYCOqfgcvehEkpVmMPmqnU/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAwMy0wMDExMC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-786162"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfBogW3KSeYaJhboZD_bkf8KZI2gXzMJWW5pbm2hxg1axKWLeCsRLeyV2kjJ7sC0n-_EZmPRu1EW2EelLwU9WtgECt85DeZ5wXFF2tpz_8SbHZpRYCOqfgcvehEkpVmMPmqnU/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAwMy0wMDExMC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-786162" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666322808975449730" /></a></p>After driving the truck back from the vineyard with a load of freshly picked pinot noir, Julie Lin hops down from the cab. Can't make the wine unless you can get the grapes! All of the Rockroom California pinot is now safely in the house. Fortunately Julie won't have to drive to Oregon for that fruit - the truck will be bringing it as soon as next week.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-12720904474335914112011-10-20T00:24:00.001-05:002011-10-20T00:24:59.088-05:00Press-zin<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj1xDHng8tCr4OYPAvdWYCZV2_5Uigk3aV3N_oqvwRiXwP-BRFJJUBQasqL_M0BMIZwedI940VM2kSR8YXXbORGpae1gs5FMm2hyXjgO4hwfm7cqaHEOp8it4itHhNzrDJ6Vs/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxNi0wMDEzMS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-799089"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj1xDHng8tCr4OYPAvdWYCZV2_5Uigk3aV3N_oqvwRiXwP-BRFJJUBQasqL_M0BMIZwedI940VM2kSR8YXXbORGpae1gs5FMm2hyXjgO4hwfm7cqaHEOp8it4itHhNzrDJ6Vs/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxNi0wMDEzMS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-799089" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665441105048145330" /></a></p>Our Russian River zinfandel went to press and then to American oak - our first (and probably only for 2011) move away from French oak barrels. Zinfandel is the "all American" grape (OK, I realize it really hails from Croatia) so thought we should use some Missouri oak. While this bold spicy oak might be excessive for pinot noir it should work just fine for the zin. <br>Can't wait to find out.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-13119672597025732612011-10-18T22:49:00.001-05:002011-10-18T22:49:26.736-05:00Some special pinot gets pressed<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRkYG3tL7w0yL-o8EqH4bgiS8XgrFMR9KBjbkBYThS6JyYGbzMOlJP5N1ldf9UzUHZUN8e05PyotWWWMUVmx19m4ZbSten3r4Tx9oelJn82Y7ytf3zgkU1E6f86WCviOKJR7I/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxOC0wMDEzNS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-766737"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRkYG3tL7w0yL-o8EqH4bgiS8XgrFMR9KBjbkBYThS6JyYGbzMOlJP5N1ldf9UzUHZUN8e05PyotWWWMUVmx19m4ZbSten3r4Tx9oelJn82Y7ytf3zgkU1E6f86WCviOKJR7I/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxOC0wMDEzNS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-766737" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665045403531996306" /></a></p>Today we pressed a small lot of pinot noir produced entirely from biodynamically farmed grapes. Beautiful Van Der Kamp Vineyard sits high up on Sonoma Mountain. Here you see a photo from today's result - Luke the master of the wine press hugs a press barrel before it heads to the cellar for a well deserved rest.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-18621053551839637162011-10-16T09:26:00.001-05:002011-10-16T09:26:54.216-05:00First press of the season<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGlXmUaFL18ejnfT4NzgCGoQzpidSOsIewSrX7mrSJJ3l-JFuphm-8K4FdWyNXfv1YV22jSTHFKY4qJ6BIzgUEIkWj2Q9_CeIHtJZhnU3QWx7bwBUSXPRFE_er7jSfd1FSzop/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxNi0wMDEyOC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-714217"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGlXmUaFL18ejnfT4NzgCGoQzpidSOsIewSrX7mrSJJ3l-JFuphm-8K4FdWyNXfv1YV22jSTHFKY4qJ6BIzgUEIkWj2Q9_CeIHtJZhnU3QWx7bwBUSXPRFE_er7jSfd1FSzop/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxNi0wMDEyOC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-714217" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664096418424909410" /></a></p>Our first finished fermentation of the harvest is going to barrel bright and early this morning. Russian River pinot noir is in the press. .scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-60316570142256391122011-10-15T09:02:00.002-05:002011-10-15T20:08:53.442-05:00Our last pinot pick for 2011<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKwT3-3ikmoIvlY9c1PFL3NPg2u_48UI0T2pJA7_6NSooqXjxXcPbOjh2f9ndmittMfeetuN3aX7rLnES8aw75WTDwz8-2hoWHkF4Ff9Bf-gTH2W1SItW3qLs4X23X1KoUDP8/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxNS0wMDEyMy5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-725807"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKwT3-3ikmoIvlY9c1PFL3NPg2u_48UI0T2pJA7_6NSooqXjxXcPbOjh2f9ndmittMfeetuN3aX7rLnES8aw75WTDwz8-2hoWHkF4Ff9Bf-gTH2W1SItW3qLs4X23X1KoUDP8/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAxNS0wMDEyMy5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-725807" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663718941630016962" border="0" /></a></p>The pick started at 2AM and by 6:30 we had our fruit. Clone 23 pinot from a Sonoma Coast vineyard in Occidental.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-16273946549696686432011-10-08T19:32:00.000-05:002011-10-08T19:33:15.743-05:00Wine Country Saturday<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqeCcdpR3D-PmzlelD889ULUYclE-Ia0tASxI5G0chFN5VnH94YSDJoBJIK0HnVeXWBnDq4clyXAFWctema2MapEpeZrHps4d5oazCwKW-DvlWPkKrp7Krgm0iQF17Xyvhhxq/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAwOC0wMDEyMC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-795745"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqeCcdpR3D-PmzlelD889ULUYclE-Ia0tASxI5G0chFN5VnH94YSDJoBJIK0HnVeXWBnDq4clyXAFWctema2MapEpeZrHps4d5oazCwKW-DvlWPkKrp7Krgm0iQF17Xyvhhxq/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAwOC0wMDEyMC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-795745" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661283996180906402" /></a></p>Weekend at the winery is pretty laid back as we wait for our next pick on Monday: chardonnay from a new vineyard. Meanwhile we enjoy some summer tomatoes from an organically farmed vineyard and farm that we pulled fruit from last week. Van Der Kamp Vineyard - a very exciting source. Cheers.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-56983312542593971002011-10-07T16:59:00.001-05:002011-10-07T16:59:54.620-05:00Sunshine returns - so back to the vineyard<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwluBHKsJ8uEfjt97o_iMAERC_kWQeA1L9u0U7bnJKkKUK5BZym5OaxdxvX-ayw7LHkim1WgSaQ7Jzwf__WeYXMMjqEwvN1GPbeK-zCBbyzuF8ILxpWXHyYbHHMxPqY-ENIbID/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAwNy0wMDExOC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-794621"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwluBHKsJ8uEfjt97o_iMAERC_kWQeA1L9u0U7bnJKkKUK5BZym5OaxdxvX-ayw7LHkim1WgSaQ7Jzwf__WeYXMMjqEwvN1GPbeK-zCBbyzuF8ILxpWXHyYbHHMxPqY-ENIbID/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMTAwNy0wMDExOC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-794621" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660873386978765554" /></a></p>Loading the truck with Russian River pinot noir to sort back at the winery. Hand picked in the morning and hand sorted all afternoon. Between sips of cold beer of course. Hey, it is Friday.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-46057897347850736562011-10-01T08:10:00.002-05:002011-10-01T22:56:36.344-05:00Harvest 2011 begins!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSpvwyK30ZDgQ6rnMyPCCtKfhGt-Q7I2ivPf43BRdh8qWe5_YHjuZRx4EnRSOS9S9IDQsTjABpm7s5J42-fIeyqS-wgQJh31e8Ai2VanZPNay_YLd5WXqleVBYMO43CQHomAw/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMDkzMC0wMDEwOC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-740156"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSpvwyK30ZDgQ6rnMyPCCtKfhGt-Q7I2ivPf43BRdh8qWe5_YHjuZRx4EnRSOS9S9IDQsTjABpm7s5J42-fIeyqS-wgQJh31e8Ai2VanZPNay_YLd5WXqleVBYMO43CQHomAw/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FU2FudGEgUm9zYS0yMDExMDkzMC0wMDEwOC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-740156" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658510493461821138" /></a></p>With old vines zin! Each of these old "knarled head" vines struggles to produce 5 to 10 clusters of ripe zinfandel.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-63413674952331974582011-05-26T22:17:00.001-05:002011-05-26T22:17:55.817-05:00Bottling the 09 syrah<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5aIAhZdjoRDIqCJmWaSWx5duXhfGdBHZQXeLrzRwR-3tsg1708Gr02RDIZdda6cvJgC4Yc7G9WolkUUrJ1SHzQk0XXJRM2fY1UjeTJcMKkNMVf1hQ_q3JvsOqCBNPYHbxP8t/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIwLTAwMDkxLmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-775818"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5aIAhZdjoRDIqCJmWaSWx5duXhfGdBHZQXeLrzRwR-3tsg1708Gr02RDIZdda6cvJgC4Yc7G9WolkUUrJ1SHzQk0XXJRM2fY1UjeTJcMKkNMVf1hQ_q3JvsOqCBNPYHbxP8t/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIwLTAwMDkxLmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-775818" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611229931735502946" /></a></p>Good times as the 2009 White Hawk Vineyard syrah goes to bottle. Note the sporty new capsule! Now for a few months of rest upside down in the bat cave...scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-23471865778239779352010-08-16T11:17:00.003-05:002010-08-16T11:25:25.797-05:00Slow Food Austin considers Rockroom winesRockroom and Greenling teamed up to present wines to the <a href="http://slowfoodaustin.org/2010/08/09/slow-session-decanting-texas-wines-one-sip-at-a-time-wine-tasting/">Slow Food Austin </a>group as we discussed the various aspects of sustainably produced wines. From Rockroom we sipped an "experimental" chardonnay that was 100% natural processed (nothing added to the fresh-pressed juice as it fermented all on its own with no added sulfites and it was bottled unfined and unfiltered), then we sampled the 2007 La Encantada pinot noir made from organically grown grapes, and finally we tried another experimental wine: a 2005 cabernet sauvignon produced from grapes grown just west of Austin near Hamilton Pool. Greenling supplied some wines produced from organically grown grapes and there was some great discussion by the 30 or so foodies in attendance. I wonder though, did we resolve in any way the questions of what wines can we as a Slow Food community consume in Texas? Is it really time to start mead production in earnest?scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-37390438461542680192010-08-08T16:56:00.002-05:002010-08-16T11:26:43.955-05:00A Giant Falls<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dsG3a-2wepnw6fxf0R0IAdfvBuwSgsFenDKuPFvk2aqy4I70-GTrtvFcl6abBulBGQUzTHzXPLY1smz5Dppx8WBuLJ7cWn0m6STYOxPyilwkx9SFqMgCwZ96CBKU1hL2Ac5C/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FL01lZGlhIENhcmQvQmxhY2tCZXJyeS9waWN0dXJlcy9JTUcwMDQzNi5qcGc=%3F=-794167"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dsG3a-2wepnw6fxf0R0IAdfvBuwSgsFenDKuPFvk2aqy4I70-GTrtvFcl6abBulBGQUzTHzXPLY1smz5Dppx8WBuLJ7cWn0m6STYOxPyilwkx9SFqMgCwZ96CBKU1hL2Ac5C/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FL01lZGlhIENhcmQvQmxhY2tCZXJyeS9waWN0dXJlcy9JTUcwMDQzNi5qcGc=%3F=-794167" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503161757336030930" /></a></p>This 2001 Siduri Rosella's pinot was a big wine (pun intended). Fun to tap this Jeroboam and find the 9 year old beauty within! Those rumors about how large format bottles better preserve a wine for aging seem to be true.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-22744694644515624492009-10-26T22:06:00.001-05:002010-08-16T11:16:14.057-05:00Hand made from start to finish<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIie3Twsh2XhLaH7YNLiDRl5kf3EUBDiS3i5ulpdyZ24NDBKBJ1fqvDdpJFCn8RqHN9uFHzFr4KOOWPojiAzSjxX7ivLAcCVjxHyvXOOKAynzMJ0BNgJygV3cEQFMyjUxkt00x/s1600-h/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAyNTEuanBn%3F=-732532"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIie3Twsh2XhLaH7YNLiDRl5kf3EUBDiS3i5ulpdyZ24NDBKBJ1fqvDdpJFCn8RqHN9uFHzFr4KOOWPojiAzSjxX7ivLAcCVjxHyvXOOKAynzMJ0BNgJygV3cEQFMyjUxkt00x/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAyNTEuanBn%3F=-732532" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397111448364761314" /></a></p>How's this for hand made wine? A few Rockroom wines get a dot of wax instead of the usual tin capsule right before we put them into bottle aging. We pull out the deep-fryer, melt a batch of wax and drip it on one bottle at a time. Is all this fuss necessary? Probably not but it seems to make sense to add this little hand-crafted reminder now and then. Like on this La Encantada pinot noir that was so carefully grown in an organically farmed vineyard in Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills. Hand crafted from start to finish.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33901293.post-47998206674722211712009-10-25T12:53:00.001-05:002010-08-16T11:15:43.645-05:00Last pinot pick of 09<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkLYcPkOpU4qaaxXcRQzYQ4QvHjJpJk955d8YzuxFgQOCgCFRwVnXhxRANDviaz5337wkrL4O-QKo1SGTKkvGyQWqJHwbYsyMz0FFJCGUo8B5lDVUZrV0rx23JHCK6nT8ckbS/s1600-h/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAxNDYuanBn%3F=-728469"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkLYcPkOpU4qaaxXcRQzYQ4QvHjJpJk955d8YzuxFgQOCgCFRwVnXhxRANDviaz5337wkrL4O-QKo1SGTKkvGyQWqJHwbYsyMz0FFJCGUo8B5lDVUZrV0rx23JHCK6nT8ckbS/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAxNDYuanBn%3F=-728469" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396598183586750466" /></a></p>Yesterday we sorted our pinot noir from this vineyard - Bohemian in Freestone. Here we are walking the rows with Tom the vineyard owner and Chris our consulting winemaker. This chilly site had a challenging season this year with all the Asian typhoon rain swirling around, but thanks to some quick pruning action and warmer dryer weather it looks like we got some nice fruit.scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070902056354713964noreply@blogger.com0