Dean focusing on chocolate croissant as we get ready to press the Devoto.
Dialing in the press program; flavors right on the money; got just under 7 barrels of Devoto this year from 2.6 tons, almost 5 of them free run. Much different than 2010 (where we battled significant September heat); and we pulled this before the rains so there was no rain-aided plumping.
Dean (Chris in background) dancing on pommace. Who doesn't end their day this way?
Am trying a Hungarian Francois Frere barrel this year (one of 9); same species as their French barrel, tighter grain, smells amazing, all the quality is there. Will be monitoring closely in the new year however; while respected for those tight grains, Hungarian is sometimes thought to "give it up" all at once, in which case I'll rack off early.
