Tempranillo Tango

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:01:00 +0000

Hi to all readers!
It has been a while since I have written. As many of you know I am also the winemaker for Rack and Riddle Custom Wine Services. We have just recently moved the operation from Hopland to Healdsburg. This was a phenomenal task! Very happy to be back to my old stomping grounds and as one of my co-workers said- be able to go out and have a real latte. Yes, Hopland was a little remote, but what was accomplished there was mind boggling.

So back to Coral Mustang. Considering the drought, the last late rain is still keeping the vines running. Timing for harvest is looking average- the crop looking average as well.

This year I will be working with Mercurey Winery in Geyserville working with Tempranillo out of my little vineyard in Asti. Brad and Grady are incredible to work with- Please visit them when you are in the area.

Fun stuff- My old warehouse found some of my Rose' tucked in the back and brought it back to me. I have decided that this would be great to make........bubbles! I also have some rose in barrel- this will make an incredible bubbly. So stay on the lookout.

Thank you all for hangin' in there with me- there will be good things coming around the corner,
Cheers,
The Mustang Winemaker

Bud Break in the Vineyard!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:38:00 +0000

Seems like I just finished harvest and now I am thinking about it again. The weather has been absolutely beautiful but worrisome. We definitely could use some more rain which everyday seems to loom just off the coast or just to the north or anywhere but here.

But I digress some, it is exciting thinking about the new vintage coming up in those little buds and what will it ultimately bring. Frank finished pruning in January. Cover crop looks good and mowing has been done more than once with this beautiful weather.

In the winery I am getting ready to bottle the first Tres Palmeras wines that will be offered to the wine club members. I love bottling and I hate bottling........love seeing my work come to fruition, hate that this is the last time I will see it- maybe hate is too strong- maybe just sad. But it has too happen and how else can I share the wines if not in a bottle.

Well off we go- another harvest is around the corner!

Penny, The Mustang Winemaker

Harvest 2012!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Yesterday was the first day of harvest for the Tres Palmeras Vineyard which is exclusively for Coral Mustang Wines!
This is always exciting and an anxious time. It is exciting to see the work finished, anxiety in how it is going to come out as wine. After two really bad years for grapes, this one looks good. Fruit was pristine- no mold and very little bird damage. There is still one more section to pick for next week, wasn't quite there in the flavor department, but close!

I love these mornings- there was a little fog, 47 F- had to put the big jacket on. Then the fog burned off and the sun came through- beautiful and couldn't have been more perfect.

These grapes are now in a tank cold soaking and waiting to ferment. That will kick in in a couple of days- magic!

The signs of fall are here and I am still trying to figure out where the summer went- days are flying by much too quickly. But to see this accomplishment of harvest makes it easier to see the end of year holidays arriving and to contemplate the approach for the next harvest.

Before I end for the day, I wanted to send out a reminder for the Wine Club- you can sign up on the website. Next month will be the first shipment for the club. This will include at least one bottle of bubbles from my second brand, plus the Reserva that will be exclusive to Wine Club Members only at this time. I also have a few cases of 2006 Rose that will be perfect to match up with your holiday meals. It is not on the website, but you can contact me at penelope@coralmustang.com for more information- not much left and it is yummy!

More to come-
Cheers from the Mustang Winemaker

Spring has finally Sprung

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:27:00 +0000

Check out the video-

A little video to show you how Tres Palmeras is looking-

Check out the website www.coralmustang.com - the wine club is alive!!!!!
I am a partner and Winemaker with Nuestro Vino and will be offering my famous bubbles at a great price.

Cheers to Spring,
The Mustang Winemaker

2011 Harvest is Finished and Lookin' Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Another crazy year for wine- a year that was so cool that many didn't think that there would be a harvest. But when all is said and done, the wines are coming out very nice in spite of low sugars and lots of mold. I felt that we had a pre-run harvest last year having to deal with many of the same issues, so this year I was prepped with lots of information and methods to work with this years fruit.

The one big difference this year was when the rains came, much of the fruit was sound enough to make it through. The Tres Palmeras vineyard was one of them. Last year we had to give up on the fruit. This year was very low yielding, but at least I was able to get some fruit for all the labors of the year and it is tasting yummy! This vineyard designate will be going into a limited bottling for wine club only, so I am very excited.

Speaking of wine club- will start Jan 1st- watch the website- www.coralmustang.com for details. This has been a long time coming!

So on with planning for next year- cleaning up the vineyard, pruning, getting the wine finished with malolactic ferm and bottling up sparkling wine- yes, there may be something new coming to Coral Mustang......stay tuned-
The Mustang Winemaker

OMG - is the Rain Ever Going to End?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 02:17:00 +0000

I thought last year was a challenge.......it is the first week of June and the vineyard barely has started blooming. That means that we are more than a month behind average- Yikes!! I have been out in the vineyard- when it is not pouring down rain- taking the risk of thinning as I am suckering. Anything looking wimpy goes.

Not only has it been raining but it has been cold as well. Feet of snow in the mountains, not inches. I've had to turn the heat on in my house and it is JUNE- I think- maybe this is some kind of time warp. I have Crape Myrtles in my yard that are changing color because it has been so cold- looks like fall out there.

Well that's what farming is, one big challenge. Nothing we can do but marvel at Mother Nature reminding us again who is in control.

Aside from the weather and the vineyard- TAPAS Grand Tasting in San Francisco tomorrow beginning at 2p- Ft Mason, Herbst Pavilion. This is one of the best events around and I am proud to be a part of this group. If you want to taste Tempranillo, this is the place you want to be. Wine can be bought at this event as well so you can stock up your cellar with the best Tempranillos around. Stop by and say hello and taste the 2004 and 2005 that I will be pouring along with special pricing for the event.

Well I wanted to add some pics to this entry, but there has not been much time between raindrops. But I would like to talk about what Frank has been up to. Three weeks ago he took of on his Harley headed with a group to ride to Washington DC for Memorial Day- Run for the Wall or RFTW. With him, he carried a placard for a soldier that had died in Vietnam. The Sunday before Memorial Day he placed it by the soldiers name- quite a special moment for him and a very special trip. I will be coming up with a way to log his daily journal either on the website or a link as it really touched me.

That's all for now- pics next time- I promise!

Is it Winter or Summer or How to Confuse the Vineyard

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 23:11:00 +0000

What can I say- it is either 85F in January or now below freezing with snow flurries. The vines started plumping their buds with the warmth, now they don't know whether to sleep or grow! So far lots of water this year, let's hope that continues. Want to see the bizarre weather check it out - Weather at Tres Palmeras/Coral Mustang Wines.

Still trying to finish wines off in the cellar even at this late date. With the late grapes came molds and bacteria that tend to stifle fermentations- definitely a challenge. Overall, I wouldn't say a stellar vintage, but certainly not as bad as many anticipated. The weather conditions last year kept the grapes from gaining too much sugar, but did allow them to mature in flavor- not the usual scenario for California, more like what you would see in more northern climes. Very exciting to see where the wines are landing after a very anxiety driven harvest.

Still working out the details for the Wine Club- I am a partner in another wine venture called Nuestro Vino where I make Sparkling. So working on a few details that may include some of those wines that I make as well. I will be updating my website www.coralmustang.com soon!

FoodWine ListServ - New Cookbook - I have to put in a plug for a new cookbook that features recipes from an incredible group of people that have listed together for about 20 years. As a member my paella was nominated, then passed the taste test and made it into this book! To celebrate, the book was featured at a signing in Marin and several Foodstocks. What a great time!

Well, it's time to go back to the cellar where time seems to fly!
Cheers, the Mustang Winemaker

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:33:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well the new year has started and thoughts of harvest for 2011 have already begun. Focus to the vineyard- pruning, discing, tying- assessing what happened last year to do what is needed to bring the vineyard to it's best potential this year. Last harvest fruit was not taken from the Tres Palmeras vineyard-a hard decision to make for me. But some years warrant that action and from what I saw this year for grapes overall, a few more vineyards might have been better off left behind as well. A tough year....

Assessing the wines and how processes worked to produce those wines is also happening so that any changes can be started now. Last harvest brought a lot of challenges- molds, less than mature grapes, sunburn- things that I see, just not in the magnitude that I had this last harvest. So being ready for these situations is always warranted- though I hope not to see this happen for at least another 20 years!

This year Coral Mustang Wines will begin a wine club- yea!!!! Stay tuned to see updates on the website as well as an upcoming e-newsletter. Update on the tasting room- open by appointment only for the winter- let me know if you are in the area and would like to taste. Or if up you are willing to go just a short 30 minutes North, you can visit the winery. Either way give me a shout or an email.

In a tribute to Tres Palmeras, I would like to re-share a clip from a previous harvest - I hope you enjoy it and on with the new year 2011!

The Neverending Harvest and Sad News

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:23:00 +0000

Harvest started for me the second week in August and looks like it will be mid November before it ends. For some in the field it started even earlier and will end later. Harvest is a time of constant adrenaline, little sleep, and lots of pizza and burritos- I love it. The smells, the challenges, it is all an incredible rush for me.

Last week sadness, making me look at harvest in a little different light- making me wonder about the marvels of life, how special the world and all of its creatures are. My dog Kado left us after a battle with cancer. It has left a hole in my heart, slowed my pace. Coming home after a long day, his happy face is not there- even in his last days he would make his way to greet me no matter what the hour. He was a pure bred Basenji that we rescued from the Healdsburg shelter- what a treasure!

On life goes.........

Harvest has Begun for the Mustang Winemaker

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Just got in from grapes and the multitude of paperwork that is required to get the winemaking process going! Now have a Mojito in hand and taking a breath. Harvest is going fill swing- grapes for bubbles and a little Muscat Canelli over the past two weeks. Not seeing to much of the damage that this years weather has brought on these grapes. However, I made a quick trip out to the Dry Creek area and was surprised to see what devastating effects the hot weather had on not only white grapes, but a lot of red grapes as well. This is something I have never seen in my 25 years in the business. I have talked with people that will not be bringing in grapes due to the damage.

Tres Palmeras is actually looking pretty good, though the amount of crop is way down. Sunburn didn't have much of an affect, but the cycling of not enough rain last year to an overabundance this year is freaking out the vines and they don't know whether do produce fruit or not. Remember- grapes are always in survival mode- what does the vine need to do to make more vines or just survive on its own.

Tomorrow is labor day and more grapes are coming- all for sparkling wine. Think I will stick a bottle in the frig- weather service is saying it is going to be HOT and cold bubbles at the end of the day.......almost as good as a beer!

Hope to get some video on the blog as soon as I get a moment, Stay tuned! Time to give my IPhone a work out, Until next time- cheers and have a super holiday.

The Countdown to Harvest is Beginning!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:24:00 +0000

Vacation is over and the pursuit of being prepared for harvest has begun. At Rack and Riddle, sparkling grapes are anticipated to begin coming in the week of the 16th. BUT- it has been unusually cool, no-cold here. At present my weather station(Asti - Tres Palmeras Vineyard Weather) is showing 48F, yesterday it was 52F. The highs have been in the 60-70's, a few 80's- even Southern California is reporting lower than average and lots of coastal fog. So what does that mean? There are some vineyards in higher elevations or coastal that may not ripen this year. And in general most vineyards are going to be late to start along the coastal regions. The central valley areas and foothills are reporting being more on average as they have not had the fog influence- crazy year!

So prep for harvest has begun, cleaning crush equipment, grapes bins, making sure everything runs- it definitely gets my blood running with excitement - the beginning is drawing near......

July and the Vines are Growing Like Weeds

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:49:00 +0000

Wow, last month was a busy one with all of the events going on. Things have come back to a more sane level now, maybe too sane!

Looking at Tres Palmeras has been interesting- lots of growth, but not many clusters. Instead od two clusters per shoot, there is only one and many of those have 'shot berries' that will not become full fledged grape berries. Mother nature at her best-she is calling all of the shots. The verdict is still out on how the fruit will be since we are about two weeks behind. My take on the lack of clusters is that we had a greater than average amount of rain and the vines didn't have to go into survival mode and push out a lot of clusters- trying to look into the 'brain' of a grapevine............

The tasting room has been slow- I am definitely feeling the ravages of the economic downturn. But like most of us in the wine biz, just hunkering down and hoping that an upturn will happen sooner than later. I am determined to be one of the survivors!

I am having a chance to get away and regenerate. Currently I am in Hat Creek, California attempting to get in some flyfishing- truly a love of mine- being out with nature in it's splendor.

This will end at the end of this week, then it is back to bottling and harvest prep. So far looking like a good year for harvest with my day job at Rack and Riddle. Some new wines coming in and new grapes from the vineyards that surround the facility.

I hope some of you made it to the TAPAS Grand tasting last month- I did meet a few of you- what a great event. Hopefully we will be able to have more of these events in other areas of the US- Let everyone know that Tempranillo from the US ROCKS!!!

More when I return from fishing, Cheers to good food, good wine and good friends!

It is Wine Event time of the Year!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Sun, 23 May 2010 23:48:00 +0000

The vineyards are growing strong, the wines are resting in barrel, taxes are done, summer is nearly here- now it is time for wine tasting events. Next month there are a few that I will be attending:

TAPAS Grand Tasting - June 5 at the Herbst Pavilion in Ft Mason-The consumer tasting will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Consumer tickets are available at tapas2010.eventbrite.com . The most extensive annual tasting of domestically produced Spanish and Portuguese varietal wines in North America along with great food- can you say Paella?

The Monterey Wine Festival - a multi day event June 11-12 in Monterey. There is a great evening event in the Aquarium- giving you a great chance to see the Seahorse exhibit!

CigarBQ - June 19th at the SaraLee vineyard in Santa Rosa. This benefits the YWCA of Sonoma County- a fun event whether you are into cigars or just tasting wines along with some great food vendors from the area.

A busy month, but a fun break from the winery and a chance to share the fruits of our labors.

Back to wine talk- the vineyards are looking pretty good considering there have been below average day and night time temps, but above average rain. The real effects of the temperature and the rain will be better viewed next month when we can see the fruit coming on. We are also dealing with the Grape Moth quarantines taking place in Sonoma, Mendocino, Napa counties. It has not made its way to the Tres Palmeras Vineyard, but the line is not far away. Big debates on how best to deal with this critter, especially for the organic vineyards which are becoming more prevalent. This really brings home the effects of bringing in plants, animals, insects, etc. that are not indigenous to an area and how quickly they can take over when their natural inhibitors are not present.

I hope to see some of you next month- or if you are in Healdsburg, stop by the tasting room- In Vino Veritas- and taste some wine and if I am not at an event I will be there as well!

The Mustang Winemaker, Penelope

Is it really Spring??

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 23:35:00 +0000

It's April and it's cold here- below average cold. We even had snow a couple of days ago. This is not good for the tender shoots that have appeared in the vineyards. There is an interesting dichotomy of discussion about the vineyard vs weather- one branch that is worried and wringing their hands and the other that accepts that Mother Nature always has the upper hand and there isn't a lot that can be done so why wring your hands. Farming is hard and a livelihood for many and you do what you can, but ultimately there are things that cannot be controlled, like the weather. I talked with one vineyard owner that had snow on his porch, but none in his vineyard a few yards away- this is how weird the weather has been the last week. We won't know what damage there may be until the weather clears up which the National Weather Service is predicting is at least a week away............

In the meantime there are wines in the cellar waiting for bottling and wine to sell- plenty to do! And of course, events to attend. Some great events are coming up at Angel Island in the SF Bay, The Monterey Bay Aquarium event, and a couple of wine and food events in San Diego- never a dull moment and fun for me to be able to share my wines and hopefully pick up an account or two that want to have my wines in their establishments. You can check out my events on my Facebook Coral Mustang Fan page- I hope to see some of you out there.

Selling wine this year has been a challenge- lots of wine out there and good wine. But tightening of the pocketbooks are keeping sales down. But I am seeing more requests for Tempranillo and an acceptance in general of varietals that may not be mainstream- variety is the spice of life! Why only drink the usual suspects when you can have something new and exciting especially in this trying time.

Well, tax prep is waiting for me........the Mustang Winemaker, Penny

It's Spring and Budbreak!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:36:00 +0000

It is hard to believe how quickly time goes by. I am just cleaning up from the last harvest finishing up wines to put to bed in barrels or get ready for bottling. And now I feel the push for the new years harvest.

The Tres Palmeras vineyard was finished with pruning about a month ago. Now budbreak is upon us! The weather has been pretty cool up until a couple of days ago, but the vines are ready. The hand wringing has begun as any hint of frost will send us out into the vineyard in the early morning hours to save the buds which are the grapes for the upcoming harvest.

It is beautiful here- the wildflowers, the blue sky, green hills- breathtaking! This is also the time of the year to get out to some wonderful events to show off the fruits of my labor. I just returned from the Family Winemakers of California event in San Diego and there are more events to come which I will post on my website www.coralmustang.com and the Coral Mustang Facebook fan page.

Don't forget, if you are in the Healdsburg area, stop by the tasting room at 118 North St. - In Vino Veritas. I spend most Saturdays there and would love to share a glass of Tempranillo with you!

Off to the cellar, The Mustang Winemaker, Penny

Return to the Vineyard

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Now that harvest is over and the wines are being tucked away in barrels or bottles, it is time to return to vineyard duties. We have had some cold weather that has taken the vines into slumber and are ready to be pruned. It is amazing to me still the transformation that takes place in the vineyard from leafless and pruned to full of life laden with fruit.

This is where the first determination of vine growth and fruiting
on the vines begins. We look at growth from last year to help determine where the cutting should happen. The hardiest buds are kept and then look at where we want to encourage growth to even out the vine.

This year we are also taking a hard look at what we want to do in light of water needs. The vines were pretty heavily stressed last year to conserve water. This along with weather brought us a very light crop last year.

Here is an example of what the weather can bring to the vineyard-not pretty. There was a vineyard in the Russian River area that I wanted to get grapes from that looked like this through the entire vineyard. Interestingly, the adage that stressed vines bring good wines proved true this last year. They also had prolonged hang time that helped the clusters that did survive.

So with the last harvest a lingering memory, I am now thinking about the next harvest to come. I am also thinking about the economy and how wines sales will do. This week there was a symposium regarding this in Santa Rosa. I wasn't able to make it to the symposium, but was informed by friends that did attend that Tempranillo was named as one of three varietals that are going to be the next Pinot Noir........time to make a movie!

Back to the tasting room- In Vino Veritas- don't forget to stop by if you are in Healdsburg and stay tuned for the upcoming wine club- Cheers from the Mustang Winemaker

The Long Harvest is Over- time for Beer!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:15:00 +0000

This has been the longest harvest that I have ever been through.....and survived! I don't think I really saw summer, being buried in grapes, and now it is cold and frosty outside and cold and frosty inside - outside due to the weather, inside because cold stabilization for whites and sparklers is happening. The longevity of harvest this year was because we had a cool summer and the grapes were able to sit on the vines a little longer- truly mature. Those that waited, even with threats of rain, were rewarded with great flavors in their grapes.

My home vineyard, Tres Palmeras, is a great example of waiting for the flavors to develope rather than going by previous years picking schedules or lab numbers- picked about two weeks later than average and the wine is truly spectacular. The hard work and patience has paid of in the depth of fruit in this wine- can't wait to share it!

During this harvest I had the opportunity to represent California winemaking in Hong Kong- the Coral Mustang was there! What I learned was how fierce the competition is with France, but that there is definitely a yearning for something new and from the US, California in particular. A very different experience for me being immersed in International Trade, one that I will never forget.

My winemaking job at Rack and Riddle Custom Wine Services has teamed up with Crush Pad to do sparkling wine, what a fun adventure! In the process found out that some of you are anxiously awaiting your bubblies. Here is an interview I did with VinVillage Radio talking about the bubble program and about Coral Mustang- VinVillage Radio Interview.

This years Tempranillo almost ready for the long nap in barrels, still completing malolactic fermentation- should be ready by Christmas. If anyone is out this way- please feel free to call- barrel and bottle tasting are always at hand.

I hope that you visit the tasting room in Healdsburg as well- I plan to be there most Saturdays. I am also having some holiday specials-
2005 Rose' - $30/ case,
two pack gift box - one bottle 2005 Rose, one bottle 2005 Tempranillo - $20
three pack gift box - one bottle 2005 Rose', two bottles 2005 Tempranillo - $35
Perfect gifts for the season to bring to your friends, relatives, or treat yourself! 707-536-6339 or the tasting room at 118 North St. Healdsburg, CA.

Well, the wines are calling me back- the Mustang Winemaker

Taking a Breath! Harvest is not Over Yet,,,,,,,,

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:38:00 +0000

Going non stop since August 8 and there are still more grapes to go! All of the 'sparkling' grapes are in as well as most of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Some of that still trickling in. Now waiting for the rest of the reds, like Cabernet, to come in. It has been an odd harvest- there is always a little lull in between the rush of the early grapes transitioning to the later reds- this year has been a big break!

Last week was the third harvesting of the Tres Palmeras vineyard- it is great to bring in the fruit that you have labored over the past year. The crop was very light due to the drought, but the flavors are incredible. It is fermenting away and will be pressed in about four days from now. Barrels are ready- time to start thinking about what will be ready to bottle.......

The break in the action allowed me to show my wines at the Monterey Wine Festival . I was able to share a table with friend and fellow Winemaker Gabriella Gazzano with Rielle wines which allowed me a few moments to view the incredible seahorse exhibit within the Monterey Aquarium . What a moving exhibit! I could have easily spent hours watching these creatures. The Wine Fest was a good one this year having moved the second day to the Hyatt- much nicer and more comfortable venue than the Fairgrounds. It was great to see some of you out there!

The grapes are calling- the 'second' round of grapes is que'ing up rapidly- about 120 tons today!

The Mustang Winemaker, Penny

The Fast and the Furious Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:36:00 +0000

I am totally immersed in harvest - the grapes keep a comin' and I keep a pressin'. The past month of harvest has been primarily grapes for Sparkling wine and we are just beginning to see some of the 'Still' wine grapes, like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc start to trickle in. For those of us that make bubbly, harvest starts about one month ahead of those that do more of the still. Since the winery I work with does both, it makes for a very long harvest- about 2 1/2 to three months.

Speaking of Sparkling wine, my dayjob with Rack and Riddle has partnered up with CrushPad to make bubbly- whoohooo! When they were here with their first load of grapes they did a video interview with me about the process - CrushPad Sparkling
This was a fun day with them and am looking forward to working with them on this project.

So far the grapes are looking pretty good. Yields are down from what was anticipated due to the weather patterns of the year. Clusters are undersized or have shot berries for some varietals, but quality is good. It is always interesting to me to see how the weather patterns effect the vineyards- rain or heat at critical times of growth can have major effects on the grapes- specifically at budbreak and bloom. Since not all grapes set bud or bloom at the same time, every varietal is effected differently, sometimes escaping what has effected another varietal. Last year was a good example of this- some vineyards wiped out, others not effected-an extreme example.

I have promised videos of harvest - still working on that. Today I have a bit of a lull between grapes, yeast inoculations, barrels, pumpovers, rackings, and the endless paperwork.........

Cheers, the Mustang Winemaker, Penny

Let the Harvest Begin!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Pinot Noir for Sparkling wine started coming in last week- yippeee! The smells of the grapes and the juice from the press is magical- I really don't know how to explain it. What I have seen so far are very small berries and a fair amount of shatter. This is when the blooms to do not create berries, creating a cluster that does not have all of its grapes. I will talk more about shatter later with pictures. It is early yet to see what all varieties will bring us as far as crop load.

Yesterday the bird netting went up in the Tres Palmeras vineyard. The birds are starting to come in droves and without some protection on the vineyard they can take a substantial amount of fruit. I don't mind sharing the fruit, but the birds don't take the berries, they tend to pierce them. The juice of the berries then get bacteria and mold and create a problem to the whole cluster.

I do want to 'document' this harvest and have my phone set up to be able to blog and send pics-wish me luck with my tech skills on this one.

Before I sign off, Today at 6pm, tune into KSAV radio (http://www.ksav.org/) for Wine in Real Time- The Mustang Winemaker will be talking about Coral Mustang and my dayjob with Rack and Riddle Custom Wine Services, and the new tasting room in Healdsburg. I hope you will tune in.
Cheers to a new harvest,
The Mustang Winemaker

Veraison is here!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Last week veraison started in ernest at Tres Pameras Vineyard- can't believe another harvest is truly right around the corner! Now is the time to get as ready as possible for the onslaught of grapes, which means time for a vacation. I am on my way to Portland as I write this-my sister is celebrating the half century mark and I want to be there. The grapes will do as they wish whether I am there or not. The pic on the right is a quick pick I took before I left of the new tasting room- which is doing well thanks to all of you out there- Thank you!

During this trip I will be cooking, eating and drinking my way up the coastline of Oregon- which is absolutely spectacular! Inland the temps are in the 100's, so I am staying as close to the coast as possible until I have to land in Portland Thursday night.

Sunday night was a panned seared rib steak, steamed artichokes, nad an incredible bottle of Topel 2005 Mendocino Cabernet- it was a match made in heaven for my first night on the road.

Last night (Monday) was freshly caught rock fish that I sauteed with fresh heirloom tomatoes, green beans, garlic, thyme, and of coarse butter. Yes, I know I should be using olive oil, but vacation, I hiking, walking the dog more, watching sunsets on the beach.......the wine was a Longboard Sauvignon Blanc- wow, was it yummy! Big tropical notes, no grassy- just the way I like Sauv Blanc.

Tonight is steamers - steamed in a Widmer pale ale and garlic, some fresh sourdough. Haven't decided the wine yet- may have to break out another Sauv Blanc..........

Well, back to the beach- before the craziness begins!
The Mustang Winemaker, Penny

Grand Opening of the Tasting Room!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:04:00 +0000

This weekend is the official Grand Opening of In Vino Veritas - my new tasting room @ 118 North St in Healdsburg. Both Saturday and Sunday I will be there wine and food in hand - pretty exciting for a small producer like myself and in these times. Hope you can make it out - stop in and let me know you saw this!

So in anticipation of a big weekend and harvest about 4 weeks away, I am trying to relax a little. Right at the moment I am sitting on the deck with a glass of Point Reyes Blanc de Noir bubbly, looking out at my vineyard and making plans to vacation through Oregon. Wine tasting will be mandatory- always great for me to see what the rest of the world is doing from time to time.

Speaking of the vineyard- it is looking really good! The growth is looking balanced, berries smaller than I am used to- but just those two factors are making it look like a good year for Tempranillo winemaking- very excited to see the outcome. Frank is saying that it looks like harvest for this vineyard will be the end of September as we are not seeing the berries change color yet- unusual for this varietal.

Well, I have shrimp to put on the barbie and more bubbly to drink - more to come as harvest is coming! Hope to see you at the tasting room,
The Mustang Winemaker

TAPAS at Fort Mason

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:58:00 +0000

I am just now recovering from the best TAPAS event ever! I also want to acknowledge the great volunteer team, many whom are bloggers and wine lovers themselves- THANK YOU! A friend and fellow Tempranillo grower shot these pics of the event:
TAPAS San Francisco

The tasting room in Healdsburg has been open for 2.5 weeks, not that I am counting......It has interesting watching the ebb and flow of traffic to the tasting room. Days that you would think would be busy are not, and vise versa. I have been told there is no rhyme or reason and I am starting to believe it. It is so great to be able to share my wines daily rather than at random events.

The summer is trying to get going and we have just crossed over the solstice- days will be getting shorter. So far this has been unusually cool this season. I have a consultant friend who is usually firm about a harvest date, even this early- he has changed the date and now has said he just doesn't know. Not that we ever really know, but this is a man that has been winemaking for 40 years and is rarely baffled.

Well, I hear the wines and vines calling my name- hope to see some of you in the tasting room- 118 North St., Healdsburg, CA- The Mustang Winemaker, Penelope

The Morning After

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Another great weekend! Saturday was spent in the new tasting room and Sunday was the TAPAS Grand Tasting event in San Francisco. Today I am back in the winery, a little slower than normal. Almost like having a hangover, though not from alcohol consumption.

The tasting room is doing well in Healdsburg-you always wonder if you are located in the right spot, people will actually buy the wines, do you need more gadgets.............definitely a learning process. I expect that the cool weather and the economy are keeping the amount of traffic down somewhat, only time will tell.

The TAPAS event at Fort Mason yesterday was a hit! Great wine, great Paella provided by Marco Paella, and a fun science demonstration by Schmahl Science who this benefit was for. It was an absolutely beautiful day in the city- perfect for sipping the wonderful Spanish varietals that were presented. This is out second year doing this event and 'we need a bigger boat' to do this again. Little did we anticipate the interest in Tempranillo, Albarino, Touriga,.......I think we are onto something!

In the vineyard, Frank has been out leaf pulling to open up the shoots to allow air flow and light into the canopies. So far the vines are looking very happy- good crop out there so far. Weather has been very cool, and there have been 'threats' of light rain- haven't seen the rain.

It is mid June and harvest is ever present on my mind. Here is a short video from last harvest :

Back to the winery- the Mustang Winemaker

Bloom is Here and Gone

noreply@blogger.com (The Mustang Winemaker) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:40:00 +0000

Tres Palmeras is in full bloom- Frank went out and took these pictures and you can actually see the little flowers!

So far the vineyards are looking pretty good- after two not so great years of crop, the vines are ready to go with all that they have. Lots of shoots, lots of clusters = lots of fruit. We are beginning to see what harvest will yield.

In Vino Veritas Coop Tasting room is open, though I am still waiting for the final stamp of approval which I am told should happen any minute. Had the ABC website up all day to see if it would happen- much like watching a pot come to boil.....

Events:
This weekend, June 5,6,7, is taste of the Alexander Valley. The Tasting room will be participating since there a re a couple of us with wines from this appellation. Keeping my fingers crossed to have some barrel samples to debut Tres Palmeras vineyard.

June 14th is the TAPAS Grand Tasting at Fort Mason! Last years event was at Copia and it was fantastic! A chance to see what Spanish and Portuguese varietals do in California and they do well. I want to thank the volunteers that will be helping out on the 14th- THANK YOU! I can't say that enough. Also, I believe there is a discount if you say you know Coral Mustang- tickets are still available.

Will back to the cellar- the Mustang Winemaker, Penny