Most vineyard work is pretty boring as far as our four year old Rottweiler Coco is concerned. She is more a winery dog and does not spend a lot of time in the vineyard. However, when the harvest starts, she is right there, following closely behind and even eating some of the fallen fruit. Perhaps she thinks she is helping out.
This year, the harvest of our main Cabernet Sauvignon block was just before the full moon, on October 2nd . We started at first light on a cold morning with eight pickers, three fruit sorters, our foreman, Nestor and myself driving the tractors. Over the years, Nestor and I have developed a sign language, so we can communicate at a distance and without shutting down the tractors.
This year, the berries were jet black and small, which is ideal. The aromas were very sweet. The yield was low; only one and a half tons per acre. When yields are low, flavors are more concentrated, since the vines focus their energy on ripening a smaller amount of fruit. We feel blessed. This vintage is very promising.

New Release:

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Please visit our wine section for details on this amazing wine.

Sante`

Patrick Elliott-Smith