JC Cellars Blog

What a day we had yesterday! Pressed off the Rockpile Syrah, from all the different blocks and I will say, without a doubt, we have a winner on our hands. At this point the Haley’s’ blend is very layered and the anisette is very prominent in aromas and flavors. The So Serine is richer and more seductive. This may be due to the fact that the vines are more mature and starting to come into their own. The same could be said of the Buffalo Hill, which is showing forceful grip, but also a silky side (leather and lace). Time …

Welcome to harvest 2009!  The fruit at first came in slowly, but then SLAM!  It came in fast and furious filling every nook and cranny in the winery. At this point we have over 50 Macro bins (3/4 tons of fermenting fruit in each) and every tank filled and fermenting. We’ve already barrel down the Dusi Ranch Zinfandel and the St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel. Both are still a touch sweet and fermenting slowly. Some of my best wines are those that take 6 months or more to ferment in barrel (The Impostor, Fess Parker’s Vineyard and The First Date). Does …