September 2001

          Harvest 2001 started here on August 14, the earliest in at least 35 years (i.e. earliest in memory). Grape balance and quality in the early stages have been excellent.

Our 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon and 1997 Pinot Noir are now available.

The year 1996 was another harvest that came very early. We finished picking the Cabernet on September 30. The crop was very small which resulted in deep, rich flavors in the fruit, and thus the wine. As usual, we blended Cabernet Franc and Merlot into this Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1996 vintage is 5% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. These grapes add a breadth and complexity to the final wine while their similarity to Cabernet Sauvignon maintains a consistent and harmonious character. This vintage, like all of our Cabernets, will improve for many years if properly stored, and should be in its prime in the 2015-2020 time period. It will be highly enjoyable before then if given an hour or two to breathe before serving.

Our 1997 Pinot Noir exhibits great elegance and balance already. Made 100% from the Pinot Noir grape and with just a light touch of oak aging barrel character, it is good company for a very broad range of foods. It complements virtually all red meat and pasta dishes, is successful with most chicken dishes, and even matches very well with salmon. This Pinot Noir will be alive and vigorous until at least 2010.

We are also re-releasing our 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon and 1994 Chardonnay at this time. These wines are entering their prime years. The Chardonnay should remain in peak form for 3 to 5 years and the Cabernet for 8 to 10, at least.

A recent trip to the Rocky mountains served as a reminder of the limited availability of wine in various parts of the country. We didn't die of thirst but the pickings were slim. "Sure we've got wine, do you want the red, the white or that pink stuff ?", was heard way too often. When asked what kind it was, the response, "I'll check and see if anybody here knows", was about the best we heard. Despite huge efforts by many in the wine trade, much of the country seems to be in the dark ages in wine selection. State laws are a big part of the problem as the restrictions in some state are horrendous, truly excluding most wines. So, when you get the chance, please encourage your fellow citizens, and your legislators, to talk and work in favor of open trade for all products, including wine. And, please tell them that "that pink stuff" is not the proper terminology for a nice rose`.

A sign on the front of a western building read, "Burgers, Antiques, Sundaes and Horse Manure." Probably not a good candidate for a wine outlet but maybe better than the one that read; "Aunt Tigues and Uncle Junque." Old wine is not called "antique", but maybe it should be. They both get better with age. And, even though I'm improving with age too, of course, I do hope nobody starts calling me "Uncle Junque."

Cheers,

Bob Travers