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Don't miss our older newsletters which contain tasting tips and other valuable information! Fall 2003 Newsletter 2003 Harvest Report This is my 29th harvest, including two in the southern hemisphere, and I don’t recall a growing season in the recent past quite like this one. The Central Coast experienced a very cool spring causing quite a bit of shatter - poor pollination resulting in fewer berries per cluster and lower yields in the vineyard. This was followed by a fairly warm summer. As Edna Valley grower, George Donati, put it “just like Burgundy”. The grape quality in most cases is outstanding as a result of the low yields - 1 to 2 tons per acre. We had a brutal heat spell at the end of September causing a rapid increase in grape sugar content. Most of the vineyards that I work with were able to weather the heat spell and recover during a cool period that immediately followed. The timing of harvest was about one to two weeks ahead of normal, but not nearly so early as the 1997 vintage, mid-August, or as late as the 2001 vintage, late September to early October. The high point of the 2003 vintage was harvesting Pinot Noir from our estate vineyard Stone Corral - pretty awesome stuff. As I mentioned in the beginning, I spent two harvests in the southern hemisphere, one being in South Africa in 1985. There I worked with Michael and Sydney Back of Backsberg Estate in Paarl. This year Michael’s son, Simon, spent the month of September working with me at Stephen Ross. It was a great pleasure to get reacquainted with the Backs through Simon, and to have help punching down Pinot Noir fermentations, walking and sampling vineyards and filling barrels. 2001 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, Thomann Station released October 1 This wine is impressive for its dense, inky purple-black color, and mouth filling soft tannins. It has ripe blue-fruit aromas very much like blueberry and blackberry, with traces of violet flower and black pepper; and it is thick, rich and flavorful on the palate. It is such a showy wine that it may be most appreciated accompanied simply by cheese such as Manchego or Humboldt Fog blue and a baguette. $32 per bottle. Thanksgiving Dinner recommendation – 2001 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard As the cool fall season approaches, I can’t think of anything better than hearty comfort food and Pinot Noir. If you are looking for a special wine for a special meal, my 2001 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir is the answer. The wine defines balance and elegance. It has loads of berry flavor and can best be described as extremely yummy. It’s a great companion to seafood dishes, rabbit stew, white beans with duck and of course, turkey. This wine is a fabulous choice for Thanksgiving dinner and holiday gatherings. $35 per bottle. What the Critics are saying about Stephen Ross 2001 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, PinotReport, 92 points. Medium-deep ruby color; pepper, spice,nutmeg, black cherry and plum on nose; big, full and tannic on palate with spicy fruit emerging; good structure, balance and a long finish. Stephen Dooley scores again with another terrific Pinot from Edna Valley – give this one time to open up in the glass. Smart Buy! 2001 Chardonnay, Edna Ranch,
Wine & Spirits magazine, 92 points
October shipping special During the month of October we will ship out-of-state orders by ground at $30 per case. Assuming that the weather is cool across the country we will ship on Mondays in October for deliveries no later than Friday of the same week. Barrel Adopter program available If you haven’t already become
an Adopter, it’s not too late, you can still sign up. For more information
or to sign up contact me at 805.594.1318 or go to the Adopter
Page.
Best regards, Stephen Dooley
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