...The poetry judging is going well. Took me 3.5 hours to get through and rank all 130+/- on the four components: Message, Technical, Word Use and Overall Impact. My scores are now being reconciled with those from the rest of the family. There are many good ones and some dogs too. Further confirming that my middle name should be Beavis, I chuckled the loudest at a 12 +/- worder that is x-rated. Stay tuned.
Friday of last week we worked on final bottling blends for the 07 Cabernet. The session consisted of Keith, Anne, Jessica, and a guest appearance by my cousin Towle who is now working with us as consulting viticulturalist. Grueling but rewarding work. Our mission was to take the base blend that was assembled last summer and fine tune it using a myriad of lots of Cab and other Bordeaux varietals that we kept separate. Lots of nuanced tasting and lots of learning. I am beginning to really get a feel for how the team tastes together, and how they respond to the kaleidoscope of flavors our vineyard provides. I can't help but be very excited.
Made it to the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance poster shoot last Thursday, where we all dressed in Togas to promote the auction coming in August. You can see a picture of three of the Sonoma wine community’s most distinguished members below.
Yes, that would be Schug Winemaker Mike Cox and the younger Sangiacomo Bros. The pic is dark on purpose, to protect the innocent (me, from them)
...Even with only 24 hours in NOLA, one should be able to come up with too many adventures to list. Luckily I have two. First is seeing this very cool beer fountain at a pub that chooses to remain nameless. If you know the area, think Garden District outdoor and gritty.
And best of all was the tasting I did at Swirl last night. Easily the grooviest wine shop I have been in awhile, with great wine, great customers and a great dog. They even bike ride and direct a charity team that raises big bucks and wears very stylish jerseys. Beth & Kerry from Swirl have a blog too, check it out at swirlandsavor.blogspot.com, and please pay them a visit when you are in New Orleans. Rudy Rowell was there too, signing bottles of our 2005 Vintage Reserve that bears his artwork on the label, and selling some of his paintings. Now onward, to Atlanta.
