The 2008 Nelson Family Vineyard Syrah is in the barrel.
On Saturday, 11/1/08, Patricia, Tim and Avery pressed the 08 Syrah and pumped it into the refurbished barrel. We also filled (2) five gallon carboys and (1) three gallon carboy but had to improvise and do a little blending. The three gallon carboy has some of the Madden Vineyard Syrah from Livermore as well as four bottles (ok -- 3 1/2 to be exact because we had to drink some) of Jim and Katherine's 2007 Sleepy Holler Vineyard Syrah. We all owe Jim and Kathryn a bottle of 07 Sleepy Holler from our private stashes and if we do it before the end of the year, they'll never know it was gone!
The 08 Syrahs are both looking very promising. The Nelson Family Vineyard batch was the first time that we were able to just make the wine on its own terms as we received it. No acid adjustment, no dilution, just added yeast and let it go. Eleven days at a moderate temperature - it only went into the low 70's and we pressed at -1 brix. Beautiful color and very nice fruit flavor. Samples of both batches will go to the lab this week for analysis on TA, Ph, Alc., SO2 levels and sugar. I expect both to be bone dry by now with the Livermore Valley showing a higher alcohol level.
I'll post the results when they come in.
Again, thanks to Avery for all your help - it turned into a long day and we couldn't have done it all without you!
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