Wineries Gearing up for Harvest

 

After a very cool spring which set the growing season about three weeks, warm sunny weather continued through most of the summer, bringin the vineyards closer to a successful harvest 2011. Harvest is close at hand at last. Here are a few comments from winemakers, posted on Facebook:

Greg Harrington (Gramercy Cellars) - "Off to Red Willow and Olsen this morning. Getting close and 80 degrees plus at the end of the week. Could see some big (too big) brix jumps if we don't pay attention." (Sept. 20)

Trey Busch (Sleight of Hand) - "Great vineyard tour yesterday. French Creek Chard and Red Mtn. Merlot look like MAYBE next week. Lewis Syrah has never looked better, probably a mid October pick. Things should really start hopping next week for the WA wine folks." (Sept. 21)

Jason Gorkski (DeLille Cellars) - "6% pressed already. This harvest is flying by..." (Sept. 23)

As things develop, there will be additional posts. Keep tuned!

 

New Releases from Renegade Wine Company

 

I saw Trey Busch at Sleight of Hand Cellars this morning. He showed me a couple of new releases from his negociant wine label, Renegade Wine Company. Only about a couple of hundered cases of each were bottled, so they are going to go fast. The Renegade wines have been especially popular in the Seattle metropolitan area market.

 

2009 Renegade Wine Company Grenache, Walla Walla Valley ($15)

Medium brick red colored, this wine offers an attractive Pinot Noir-like strawberry and cassis nose, with scents of rose petals, jasmine and toasted nuts. The Pinot-like flavor profile continues with vivacious medium-bodied red fruit flavors that are accented by touches of earth, cocoa powder and dried orange peel, followed by a slightly toasted moderate tannin finish. Excellent value. 18/20 points.

 

2009 Renegade Wine Company Mourvedre, Walla Walla Valley ($15)

Also a fine value, this wine shows a medium ruby color and an intriguing nose of raspberry, cherry, lavender, spice and pepper, with whiffs of smoke. The forward red fruit flavors are bright and mouth-filling. The back reveals a chewy texture that is intermixed with notes of minerals, cocoa and dried fruits that add flavor interest to the ripe tannin finish. 18/20 points.