Newsletter, October 2008
Dear Friends,
As we fall into Fall, harvest is almost complete. In my ten years of harvesting, this year was the second earliest – by a full two weeks from most years. It finally became time to christen the new crush pad – real grape stains for the very first time! On September 5th we picked the Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; our first time harvesting the Mayo Family Vineyards. This 68 year old vineyard is dry farmed (no irrigation) and subsequently the grapes struggled in the extreme heat of late August. Although the quality is very, very good., the drying winds whisked away any moisture in the air creating a much lighter crop than we'd hoped. The region was plagued by lighter than desired yields, so we were in good company of wineries hoping for bigger yields from Dry Creek.
On September 8th we harvested the Oat Hill Estate Zinfandel here at the home winery. Since I had replaced a sixth of the vineyard in February, I was anticipating at least a ton less of fruit from last year. Well, we got about 40% less (four tons!! YIKES!); a testimony to the difficult spring frost and massive heat wave in May. Sometimes a farming girl can't catch a break!! The best news is the quality - even with the smaller crop, and unevenness of the yield - the quality of the fruit is very, very good.
Once the fermenters are full, it's all I can do to stay ahead of the pumpovers. Nacho's team came three, sometimes four times a day to mix the fermenting wine. My job is to make sure they have all the tools they need to get the job done. It's gone very smoothly this year as I've been focused on the science of making wine. Sugars and acidity, pH and temperature, all of these facets are integral to the developing wine. It's been and continues to be quite an education for the ex-hi-tech-geek that I am!
Harvesting and crushing is only the beginning. Once fermented, we pressed the Oat Hill Estate Zin on September 23rd and the Dry Creek Valley Zin on the 24th. (And, yes, I got to be the Press-Repair-Woman, with a little telephone technical support from Michael!)
On September 24th we picked and crushed almost 8 tons of Calistoga cabernet sauvignon from Barlow Vineyards and then on the 25th just over 4 tons more. 4 days of back to back 16 hour days – whew, sometimes I think I'm too old for this!!! This is stellar fruit – absolutely beautiful – seems that Barlow missed all the cold, hot and unevenness that's showing up in other vineyards – I'm thrilled with the quality.
At this writing the fermenters are once again full, we are preparing to move the zinfandels into the barrel room, and Zoe and I are still visiting the Oakville cabernet sauvignon grapes that are hanging on the vine, awaiting the day when they too, will become a beautiful wine for your future enjoyment.
Warm Regards,
October 25th – Harvest Party
We have just a few places left at the table for our Lobster Bake and Harvest Party at the winery. Lobster, shrimp, sausage and wonderful vegetables, plus, what wines to bring out of the library???? RSVP's required - $80 per person or $65 per wine club member! Call 707-942-9251 or email jeff@zahtilavineyards.com
Library Release – Available Until the End of the Year!
 We still have older vintages available – check out the website and stock up for the coming holidays. Enjoy! Buy Now
And Magnums, 1.5L bottles – we have some current and older vintages in the Rutherford Beckstoffer Cabernet, 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet, Oat Hill Estate Zin and Dry Creek Zinfandel. The only way to get to these it to call us! 707-942-9251
Where in the World is Laura?
October 12th and 13th – Phoenix and Tucson for the Annual Young's Market Wine Show
Calling all trade accounts in AZ – don't miss this great opportunity to try Laura's current releases! Contact Young's Market Company of AZ at 602-442-6622
October 25th – Lobster Bake and Harvest Celebration at Zahtila Vineyards
Wonderful food, beautiful wine and lots of fun! Noon to 3pm, RSVP's required. $80 per person, $65 per wine club member. Limited seating. Call the winery – 707-942-9251 or email jeff@zahtilavineyards.com
November 1st and 2nd – Calistoga Jazz and Blues Festival
Join Laura and Jeff for two days of fun, wine and music. On Saturday the 1st, Jeff will pour at the Main Element – art and jewelry store from 1pm to 5pm. On Sunday the 2nd, the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce is providing shuttle transportation to 7 wineries where musicians and wine will blend together. Zahtila Vineyards will be hosting the Susan Sutton Trio from noon to 4pm. For tickets and additional information about the entire weekend check out: http://www.calistogavisitors.com/events
November 8th and 9th – Silverado Trail Silver Pass Weekend
The annual Fall celebration of wineries along the Silverado Trail. Proceeds benefit the Napa County Schools Reading Program – furnishing books to young readers all over the County. For tickets and additional information - http://www.silveradotrail.com/index.asp?page=events
Holiday Schedule – As with year's past, the winery will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day and usually closes early on the eve's of these holidays.
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