El Bloggo Torcido - Twisted Oak Winery

2006 - Twisted Scenes

Photographed in 2006, on location at Twisted Oak Winery, by El Jefe... click on each image for a larger version.

Gulps 3

Here goes...

- Yet another nice review of our 2004 Tempranillo this time by Tim over at winecast.net. In his post, Tim wonders if we are "irreverent anarchists or the complete insane", to which I of course reply "yes!" Tim also hopes that one day we will do a podcast - Well, guess what...!

- Ryan over at catavino.net interviewed Fermento and I a couple weeks ago for his regular podcast series on Iberian wines. That podcast has been posted over on Ryan's site. You have to listen to Steve from Parador Cellars before you get to us, however.

- Yes, that picture in this month's banner is Real Snow at Twisted Oak in Vallecito, taken in March of 2006 by Sewell Hatcher.

- Finally, our Twisted Poetry Corner, courtesy of a random google search... "A twisted oak of possibilities..." Indeed!

2006 - Making Wine

We're going to spend this week with images from the past year you may not have seen yet. This first batch is from the production side of things, crush and beyond... Most of the images can be clicked on to get a larger view... enjoy!

From all of us...

...A Merry and a Happy!

Heck, go ahead and get a little too happy, just let someone else drive!

Blog Slut

Yes, not only am I being a Blog Slut on my own blog today, but I have been slutting around to other blogs recently.

Several guests posts have appeared over on WineLog on such topics as the use of "P*rt" on a label, the future of the wine industry on the internet, and how old you have to be to pair arugula and wine.

Also my first post has appeared over on Drink Shoot, commenting on some news of the day from around the world...

Enjoy!

Screwy Winery Beta Tests New Screwcapper!

Yesterday we bottled up two fresh and fruity wines from the recently-wrapped 2006 harvest.  Our bottling company, Mobile Wine Line, recently added a new screwcapper to their line and we are finally able to utilize these kooks for 100% of our bottling needs.  We put their expertise to the test and much to our pleasure, bottling whiz Harry Hakala stepped up to the task and correctly applied Stelvin screwcaps (we prefer to call them Twist-offs) to our 2006 Verdelho from Silvaspoons Vineyard and our 2006 Rosado which comes from Grenache vines on our estate here in Calaveras County. 

***For some really cool information on screwcaps performed by the gang at Hogue Cellars, click HERE

Finally, we tasted both wines last night.  The Verdelho's first impressions (from which all tasting notes are culled) are green apples, grapefruit and gardenas.  As for the Rosado, according to our profane leader El Jefe, "Strawberry F-ing soda, no bubbles and the proper amount of R.S."

Wow...his leadership is inspirational!

-Fermento

"A Menu for Hope" is almost over!

Just a quick note to remind everyone to bid on your favorite Menu for Hope prizes! Several people have bid on Lot WB27 (River of Skulls and Pig Stai Pour't) - thanks! Don't miss out on your chance to win a fabulous prize and do a great thing at the same time.

Wine blog prizes listed here and here.

West Coast prizes listed here.

And go here to donate.

The bidding closes at 6PM PST Friday!

thanks!

Gulps #2

Buncha stuff...

- Very nice notes about our 2004 Petite Sirah over on wineoutlook.com! (Around the crush pad here it's usually "Wine! Look out!" but I digress...) We do agree that PS goes quite well with steak and even chow fun, but don't let your corn flakes go lonely...

- Also very nice notes about our 2004 Tempranillo, posted right here in the comments section for that wine. And yes you too can post your reviews there, or for any of our wines.

- Got a nice mention in Brim to the Dregs, a great blog and one of the many reasons I am excited about selling our wines in the Southeast next year. Any other Southeast wine bloggers (or wine drinkers) lurking out there?

- Don't forget the Menu for Hope raffle closes on December 22. Bid on anything, but please do bid on Lot WB27 - a "Twisted Pair" indeed! Visit here for details and instructions.

- Murphys Cab Company for all of your holiday safe driving needs. Call Jason at 209-559-8777. That's Jason in the picture. He's off duty, I promise.

- Only in the foothills... Man Hits Woman, Woman's Dog Bites Man, Man Goes To Hospital

Too Much Party?

Another legendary Twisted & Enchanted Holiday Party is now behind us (that's Twisted Oak and Enchanted Workshop, Mrs. Jefe's gift store.) I believe everyone survived - though these three look a little worse for wear... there certainly was plenty of food: fondue apps, "Snoopy" seafood salad, fresh baked rolls, twice baked potatoes, roast beef & roast chicken in the barrel smokers, pumpkin pie, cookies, brownies, and real flaming Christmas Pudding (and a little bit of Flaming Jefe, but no permanent damage. And alas, no photos.)

Plenty of blackmail photos were taken, but I know you don't want to see those. Instead, for a change, you get... me.

Winter Light

The Twisted Oak, Sunday afternoon in December, by El Jefe.