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November, 2007

• Harvest Report, 2007
• Wines
• Gift Ideas
• Events 

This harvest was very successful in terms of quality and flavor concentration, but the yields were dramatically low. Although we planned to increase production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by about 25% by making additional grape purchases, we are up only about 15% over last year’s production. There were several conditions that led to lower yields in 2007, starting off with very low rainfall, about 10 inches, last winter. Additionally, the brutally cold temperatures in January affected certain vineyards. There was quite a bit of talk around the state regarding cane pruned vineyards (compared to spur pruned vineyards) which had poor to no growth from mid-cane buds as a result of the severe low temperatures during January. These vineyards had sparse canopies with fewer shoots than spur pruned vineyards and therefore fewer clusters.

Our first Pinot Noir grapes came from Wolff Vineyard on September 4, and instead of harvesting 30 tons, we harvested 23 tons. Some of the other winemakers in the area were reporting low yields so we knew from the beginning the crop for 2007 was going to be a short one. To further compound the situation the berries were small and contained a small amount of juice relative to skins and seeds. This meant that the color, flavor and tannin concentration in the wine was really spectacular, but the yield of wine per ton was reduced. At that point the realization that the crop yield and juice yield was low for 2007 had become undeniable. Particularly painful was a one ton per acre yield at our estate vineyard Stone Corral; we were hoping for two tons per acre.

During the past year there were odd rainstorms here or there and a heat spike at the beginning of September, but for the majority of the time the weather was cool and consistent. During June, July and August we experienced day after day of 74 degree day-time high temperatures. Normally, that is our average temperature, but this year that was our high temperature practically every day. Not only are the Pinot Noirs this year very concentrated, but the Chardonnays are very aromatic with great acidity.

There are several ways we may be able to make your holiday gift giving easy. Stephen Ross offers a Wine Subscription program which can be set for a one year period. The recipient will receive three shipments of four bottles each, predominately Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with an average wine cost per shipment of $90 (annual cost $270).

We offer a Barrel Adopter program that includes two cases of wine and two invitations to the Barrel Adopters’ dinner held April 19, 2008. The wines will be available the same weekend as the dinner. Cost of the program for the 2006 vintage wines is $880.

In stock are a limited number of large format bottles. For example the 2005 Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir is available in a three liter format bottle for $264. There are also various vintages of 1.5 liter bottles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir available, call for details.

Annually around this time of the year we pack wine as corporate gifts for business associates and colleagues. We can customize these shipments into assorted multi-packs or even 12-bottle shipments. If you provide a gift card, it can be sent with the package.

Of course you can simply order wine by telephone or on line and request that we ship it as a gift to a relative, friend or loved one. We are able to ship wine to several states outside of California.