Happy Holidays- Looking ahead

It's that time of the year when many of us in the wine biz are looking ahead to where our business is going- where can we go, what can we do to make stay ahead of the game. One of the areas that I am very focused on is blogging! There are some great blogs out there from wine lovers, winemakers, wine retailers, wineries............what a great way to get info about what we are drinking or not. I am now following several blogs, as can be seen from the side list, and some more that I will be adding. Keep watching- I think I'm getting the hang of this and liking it!

So, the New Year is almost upon us- hard to believe. In a few moments I will be going out to taste the wines from 2007- this will be the last time this year. The 2007 Tres Palmeras is coming along beautifully, very complex- it is a 'field blend' of grapes from my own vineyard. The majority of the blend is Tempranillo with a good smattering of Grenache and Carignane. Then there are little bits of Cab, Merlot, Zin, Petite Sirah- all adding their contribution. There is warm spice, cassis, blackberry, blueberry, some plum, and a hint of dried herb.

The 2007 Vista Creek is all Tempranillo. This wine just finished it's second or malolactic fermentation-just in time for the new year. It is in a bit of a 'dumb' stage as it is trying to get itself together from fermenting. Wine is funny this way-it is always evolving- the trick is finding at what point that evolution has peaked. Hence one of the many challenges in winemaking.

On to the New Year- may you all have a prosperous, wonderful, fulfilling year!
Until Next Week-
Cheers to good food, good friends and good wine- The Mustang Winemaker

It's Friday for the Mustang Winemaker

It is Friday and the sun is shining- looks like it is going to be a great weekend. Sunday is supposed to bring some clouds and possible showers, but we could still use the rain. We have just started a new account with AVAWine.com- check it out if you get sec.

The Rose is chilling away waiting for its big day of bottling the first week in March. We are very pleased with its progress. Just tasted the 2006 Tempranillo barrel lots and they are really yummy. This wine will stay in barrels until at least the fall. A long, but worthwhile wait!

The Women for Winesense organization is starting up a tasting event this year. The tasting panel is made up of only women that have been in the wine biz for some time. Look for the consumer tasting to be announced soon.

Well, this is a short one- but wine and friends are waiting!

Until next week, cheers to good food, good wine and good friends!