A Little Barrel Tasting

I'm in the middle of a frenzy of packing to get ready for a big trip, but I took a few moments tonight to do a little barrel tasting. Had to make sure the barrels were topped off since I don't think I'll be able to attend to them for about a month. So, I'm sitting in front of the computer with a couple of tasting glasses of 2008 Chilean Syrah and 2008 Northern CA Zinfandel. And, I'm impressed...

The Chilean Syrah is really beginning to bring the fruit forward. The caramel and vanilla tones of the Hungarian oak are providing broad strokes in the background, while the cherries & stone fruit are starting to muscle their way to the front of the palette. A little more black pepper and spice would be nice, but let's wait and see.

The Zinfandel continues to be a massive dried fruit bomb. Strong aromas of cassis and dried cherries. The American oak is still very subtle with some interesting vanilla counterpoints and accents around the main aromas and tastes, so I'm thinking of keeping this in the barrel for another 3-6 months.

Since I'm waxing poetic about the wine, I think that means I've had a little bit too much to drink. Must get to bed so I can go make a living in the morning.

Salute,
a MA Winemaker

Class is over...for now

Well, most of the nation is just starting the new school year, but I have officially completed the first course in the UC Davis Winemaking Certificate program. Took the final this morning on a dreary & rainy New England fall day. Pretty perfect setting for a final exam! I really must thank the staff at the Westford Library for serving as my proctor for this class and making sure that I didn't cheat. Can't be too careful with us winemakers, you know!

I'm glad the final and course are done. Pretty sure that I did OK on the final. But they weren't kidding when they said they were going to make the final harder after the class showing on the midterm. They pulled out some really obscure details and focused on what I would have termed as the less important sections. Oh well, I wasn't the instructor so I really shouldn't complain too much. Otherwise people will think I'm pre-med major! Did good enough to pass and that's all that matters.

So, now I wait for an opening in the second course. Probably sometime next fall.

Back to my winemaking...
MA Winemaker