The 2008 harvest for the Atlas Peak winery is in full gear. Last week at this time we were looking at blustery days and possible freezing cold nights. Well, we survived the wind, and the expected frost never materialized. Now the fall weather has turned again to warmer than expected days and cool pleasant nights.
Cabernet Sauvignon is scheduled for every day of the week except Wednesday, when we will harvest the Cabernet Franc and Malbec, and Saturday, when we will bring in the Merlot and Petite Verdot. Most of the wine produced from these four delicious varieties will be used in our Atlas Peak Claret. See our web site for further details on the Claret. The balance will find its way into our Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, blend, and maybe, just maybe, we will make a small amount of one of those wines on its own.
As I walked the vineyards this week it occurred to me that we are nearing the end of another vintage. A lot of work remains, but by October 25th I expect all of our grapes will be harvested. This is not to say that the work is over, far from it. The winery will be buzzing with activity. Pump overs and drain and returns will be top priority, and soon we will be pressing and filling our French oak barrels. These details will follow.
By the end of the year, all of the 2008 wine will be in barrels and we will again need to turn our attention to the 2007's. But for the time being it is harvest full speed ahead.
Until next time ...
Darren Procsal
Winemaker
Atlas Peak
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