Yes, it does...
We call it "Crush", when we pick, cut, toss, dump, push, de-stem, pop, smash, squish, pump, punch, stir and squeeze that amazing fruit we call the grape, and then allow it to rot in its own special way into something pretty Damn Yummy.
Crush actually started yesterday (August 18, for the record) right on time. The first lot in was not for Twisted Oak, but rather for one of our custom crush clients - Newsome-Harlow Winery. It was 2.5 tons of Sauvignon Blanc - both tart and sweet - we think it will be a killer vintage for them.
The start of crush is always wonderful news, but I want to talk about Fermento, our winemaker. Can you believe he actually uttered the words "I can't conceive of a situation in which we would be crushing at 8:30 tonight."? So naturally, the wine press which had been working fine when we tested it two weeks ago, went lame on us.
I'd like to pause now and profusely thank Harvey, who drove all over the bay area collecting parts and then made the long drive to the foothills to repair our press!
I'd like to report the incredible drama that now ensued, with work on the press continuing into the wee hours, an angry wedding party* descending upon us and tearing us to bits, and much screaming and shouting - but I can't. The press was fixed, we waited for the ceremony to finish, and the wedding party enjoyed the winemaking activities and by all accounts had a lovely time (and drank a %@#$! load of wine!-)
Stay tuned for further updates - next week should see the first lots of Twisted Oak Viognier and Verdelho. I'll even have pictures, I bet!
*We do host a few weddings at the winery. The views up here are pretty spectacular. Contact us if you are interested!
Comments