Welcome Ame; and thank you Soiree attendees!

First, a thanks to Ame who has picked up our 2009 Green Valley Pinot Noir -- very talented folks making stunningly beautiful meals. And I dare say their simplicity and restraint make a very nice complement to our Green Valley Pinot.

Second, a big thanks to all with whom I met at the Soiree Des Arts et Des Vins at the Ferry Building. This event remains one of the most enjoyable of the year for me, both for the great people and their great thirst. We were once again one of the biggest sellers among the 25 wineries present.



Finally, a nod to my co-pilot on deliveries this month, Mr. Reed Wait, shown here inspecting cases on a pick-up at Vintner's Express in South San Francisco where we currently store our case goods.

11/14 ferment update

Just a quick note to say that both the 2011 Green Valley and Russian River (Flanagan) Pinot Noirs are resting in barrel, with the secondary (malolactic) fermentation just beginning to start naturally in the Flanagan. Both tasting auspicious; the Green Valley in particular showing more layers of minerality and dark cherry; sitting currently at %13.37 alcohol.

The Chardonnay is still in its primary ferment, and will be through mid December I'm guessing. Creeping along at 10-15 degrees C, still sweet w/some effervescence, lots of tropical fruit right now, bananas and pineapple, mostly transient notes which will diminish significantly toward January. A nice mouth-feel and earthiness is growing underneath the tropics. I'll also be taking this tank fermented Chard through malo.