ET - 08

The day before The Storm - Amber, Katelyn, Dave and Casey put in a full day's work bottling the 2008 Estate Tempranillo. Although Katelyn is new to the task, the others are old hands and within a case or two the group was humming like a well oiled 4-person powered machine. Seventy cases of absolutely scrumptious wine was bottled. As I was originally composing this blog the next night, The Storm blew in, the power went out and Joan and I were worried but (for the moment) oblivious to the vineyard damage that ensued. I haven't had the heart to get back to it until now, but thanks to the efforts and good wishes of these four and hundreds of other friends, fans and well-wishers, Joan and I are back on track. Another one of life's lessons learned. Mother Nature is has a mind and desire all of her own. The '08 Estate Tempranillo needs some serious bottle time - huge, dark, rich, oaky wine flavors of a classic Sonoita AVA wine. Look for it to be on the tasting table around New Year 2011. Amber by the way is working on a new member of the Polivchak family - due to arrive in 2011. There is always room for one more on the bottling line.

Nature’s Beauty

A few weeks ago the remnants of a Pacific storm blew through Southern Arizona, dropping a bit of much needed rain to the vineyard and snow to the nearby mountain tops. The storm also brought fierce winds and cold air. That night the temperature at the winey dropped to the high 20’s and on my sunrise walk with Emma and Lizzie I was treated to the sight of a very heavy frost everywhere. The ground was coated with white - magical, but more mystifying was the pattern of frozen water on the hood of the truck (see April 13, 2009 blog). I was overcome by the intricacy of the ice crystals and amazed at the sheer, blind beauty of it and struck by the thought that there must be endless beauty in this world that escapes my attention.



We had one Facebook winner who correctly identified the image and anonymous (blog comment) came close enough. Both will receive a coupon for a free tasting. Actually anonymous won’t since, well . . . . you know.

As I Wander

Here are some pictures I took while looking for the coyote trail in the vineyard. I marvel at the intricate beauty of nature. I must admit it's a little creepy to stick my hand on a spider web when opening and closing the gate. But the webs and spiders and the grouping of them are amazing. l have yet to find any manmade artwork more beautiful than Mother Nature's.