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It has been a challenging year with the cool, wet June, cooler than normal temperatures throughout(we saw zero 90' days),less sun and a drought in August and September. The harvest began September 21 with Pinot Noir for sparkling wine. The Chardonnay was picked just this week and last week; in two batches because of rain interference. The fruit quality and flavours of both varietals were excellent. Because of the late bloom in the Merlot and the Cabernet franc, we will let the fruit hang until the beginning of November or the frost, whichever comes first.
The bat house is in place and Alex, our new tasting room staff, ran into a bat the other day. I guess the house is working!
The vine canopies are clean and healthy due to Perry's diligence and Chris who worked so hard to keep his spray schedule, mostly stylet oil/ sulfur and hydrogen peroxide, very tight. He spent most of his summer mowing the lawn which helped curtail the humidity in the vineyard, cutting back on the threat of mildew and fungi.
The new sauvignon blanc vines we planted in the spring are off to a great start and the three year old Pinot Noir vines had a small crop.
Yesterday, we went live to Tokyo on TV via a satellite van. That's right, live on a show that is the Japanese equivalent to "The Today Show" here. Very exciting.
We have been topping off barrels (filling them with wine as the wine in the barrel evaporates and the wines continue to develop brilliantly. We blended the Merlot and Cab Francs to get just the right recipe for each before we bottled them in early September. As soon as the bottles arrived from France, we bottled 350 cases. That's 4200 bottles folks, one bottle at a time!
We ordered some new gorgeous butterfly valves for the fermenting tanks, brand new hoses and other equipment, fresh yeast and are now ready for our harvest of the reds.
Our chickens grew in numbers thanks to two determined bantam Cochins who kept sitting on the eggs. Of course that meant the odds for having an increase in roosters also rose. You cannot have too many males in a coop or the fighting becomes deadly. That meant it was time for a few roosters to find their way into some tummies. We had a culling day thanks to Garth and his brother. They left with several chickens for a family picnic and we held on to some too. "Delicious." Chris said. (Neither Perry nor I eat meat.)
Wallie and Ollie continue to delight our visitors and are easily the most photographed birds in town.
Six weddings have graced the lawn this year, several in the rain and all great fun. We also had the pleasure of visits from a large number of our newlyweds. What fun to stay a part of their lives.
It was another very successful year for our August Movie Nights. The weather held for each, the people came, the stars were out, the blankets were down and the wine flowed.
A March cocktail party kicked off the season and was enjoyed by all. Followed by our June cocktail party which was very well attended and a beautiful sunny day.
In August, our traditional dinner party was replaced by a delicious potluck supper followed by a movie on the lawn. Thanks to all of you who brought those yummy goodies.
We also tried a first run at having wine tastings exclusively for our members down at the waterfront. They were on the last weekends of the summer months and we hope next year to get the word out better. I know the people who were able to come had a lovely relaxing afternoon, many with their picnics and friends. The bay really is a view to behold.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us from The Old Field.
2007 Blush de Noir New Release
A pretty peach coloured wine that tastes of fresh apricot and citrus finishing with a brush of slate across the tongue. The perfect sunday brunch wine. $2 of the proceeds will be donated to Kent Animal shelter, where we got our dog, Dekka.
$14.00/bottle $151.20/case
2006 Cabernet Franc New Release!
90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. Raspberry jam and cinnamon and are on the nose and when it hits your palate, ripe cherry, blackberry and plum slide over the tongue finishing with a splash of nutmeg and the varietal character of spice. Enjoy it with a side of Porter House or Sirloin Strip.
$30.00/bottle $324.00/case
2006 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay New Release!
A beautifully balanced Chardonnay with slight caramelized flavour indicating the addition of some new french oak in the barrel aging. The fruit has graceful layers of guava and pineapple along side Bosch pear all backed up with a bit of minerality. The perfect pairing with local scallops and lobster.
$23.00/bottle $248.40/case
2006 Mostly Steel Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay (10% barrel fermented, 90% steel fermented), has a fruity nose with lemon, granny smith apple, grapefruit, and a zesty dry finish. Clean and fruity this wine pairs with filet of sole almandine.
$17.00/bottle $183.60/case
2005 Cabernet Franc
Made from 100% Cabernet Franc this light to medium bodied wine exhibits subtle tannins with a palate of dried fig, cinnamon clove, and black fruit, ending in a long soft finish. As you breathe in the aromas you may find a scent of violets and black pepper. Let this wine air before serving with Lamb, grilled vegetables, or steamers in a garlic sauce. Only 10 cases left!
$35.00/bottle $378.00/case Available to Wine Club members only
2002 Merlot
This 100% Merlot has spent 24 months in French oak. Mature tannins and a palate of black cherry and
cedar are the hallmarks of this vintage. Soft and silky this wine will continue to enrich with age. A great
Accompaniment to chicken, poached salmon and turkey.
$24.00/bottle $259.20/case
Rooster Tail
In keeping with our first Rooster Tail this blend (91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc) has characters of blackberry, mulberry, and a touch of spice. A Lighter, smoother wine (which can even be chilled) which goes perfectly with a burger, pasta, pizza, or leftovers!
$14.00/bottle $151.20/case
2001 Merlot
This 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc blend has an earthy aroma with blackberry, plum, and blueberry ending with spice and black pepper. 30 months in French oak. Incredible with a steak, venison, or mussels in a red sauce!
$19.00/bottle $205.20/case
2004 Blanc de Noir Sparkling
Made from 100% Pinor Noir fruit, this driest of Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, will delight your mouth with its tiny bubbles.
This bright brut exhibits flavors of orange zest, white cherry, lemon rind and cardamom, ending with a touch of yeastiness.
Enjoy it with Long Island oysters, sushi, or a pear crumble.
$45.00/bottle $540.00/case
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Visit us in our tasting barn, open Thursday through Monday, from 11 AM to 5 PM. We're 1 mile east of the Southold Village traffic light, on the right, on Rt 25. Look for a red fence, white gate and grape vines.
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