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Summer 2003 Newsletter

Greetings! 

We are finally getting some warm weather in San Luis Obispo, which is good for the vines. Until quite recently our daytime temperatures have been very cool (this is one of the coolest years on record) consequently vine growth and development are delayed. Traditionally, we prefer a warmer growing season – for better quality wines, not so much to avoid harvesting our crop before the fall rains. So far 2003 reminds me of 1991 when we started picking Chardonnay at Edna Valley Vineyard on October 21 – that’s really late. However, the new Dijon clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir tend to ripen earlier and perform better in cool climates. The Dijon clones have had a huge positive impact on the quality of Pinot Noir in Oregon over the past few years. One thing that attracted me to winemaking almost three decades ago was that it is dynamic and constantly changing. Just in the 12 years since our last really cool year, so many things have changed in the vineyard. We probably will have much better wine this year compared to the 1991 vintage. With that said, we could still have a very warm summer and everything will change.

We are pleased to be offering the 2001 Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. These are arguably the best wines that we have produced during our short nine year history. The wines are loaded with flavor. The Pinot Noirs are particularly impressive for their berry fruitiness and wonderful balance of good tannin and low acidity. I’m pleased to report that the 2001 Chardonnay, Edna Ranch received an outstanding score of 90 points from Tastings - The Journal of the Beverage Testing Institute, April 2003.

Half bottles, aka 375 mls are available 

Stephen Ross regularly bottles some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 375ml format bottles each year. Currently the 2001 Chardonnay, Edna Ranch and 2001 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley wines are available in this half bottle size. We sell these primarily to restaurants, but they are available retail from the winery. This is the perfect size when you don’t really want to open a 750 ml size bottle. I refer to these as half bottles and not as splits. Splits are 375ml bottles of Champagne – the wine is fermented in 750 ml bottles, and then split into two 375 ml bottles upon disgorging and bottling. (There is your bit of wine trivia for the day.)

Summer is here and it’s time for Flying Cloud 2002 Pinot Gris

This is a vibrant wine with aromas of wild azalea and minerals. The Flying Cloud Pinot Gris is interesting because it is light and refreshing, yet it has a trace of tannin on the finish, which gives it a long flavorful finish. Paula and I had this the other night for an outdoor dinner on a warm San Luis Obispo night – it was delightful. Bottle price is $15, and there is a special introductory price of $153 per case.

Barrel Adopter program available

If you haven’t already become an Adopter, it’s not too late, you can still sign up. This unique program offers Stephen Ross at the lowest price, and there is a great festive dinner party showcasing our wines. For more information or to sign up contact me at 805.594.1318 or go to the website, www.stephenrosswine.com

Paper reduction act of 2003

If you would prefer to receive news and information from me via email, let me know. Send an email to me at stephen@stephenrosswine.com and indicate that you would like to switch from paper to email. Let me know what name and address to delete from my paper mailing list. The email version will take you to our website.

Best regards, Stephen and Paula Dooley