Tasting things

Late December is a not a generally a good time to taste the wines out in the winery. Everything’s too cold to really taste, the wines made in the fall are still too young, and I really don’t want to end up spending a lot of time cleaning up or working when it’s 40 degrees, dark, and damp out there. But, tonight I was in the mood (had a few), so I went out to take care of a couple things that have been on my mind — and also to see how my babies are doing.

The 2009 Malbec is going to be wonderful. It’s soft, has really nice tannins, and smells like black cherry and vanilla. I could drink this all night. I can’t wait to bottle it. I topped it up, and we’ll leave it alone until we get close to bottling (February?).

The 2010 Zin is starting to become more complex, although it’s still a little sweet and maybe still the slightest bit fizzy. I’m pleasantly surprised by it, frankly, because it started out as less-than-wonderful grapes. I think it could be a very drinkable wine after it finishes fermentation in the spring and spends another 12 months in the barrel.

Bottling Week 2010

Yesterday, we racked the 2009 Malbec, the 2008 Merlot, and the 2008 Cab. We also continued washing bottles, and bottled the Chardonnay and the Grapefruit wine. It was a highly successful day, and (as far as I know) I once again completely forgot to take pictures. If anyone did take some pictures, please send them to me.

Next Saturday, we’ll be at it again. Here’s what we’re going to be doing:

1. Bottle 30 gallons of 2008 Merlot (it’s been in French Oak 18 months)

2. Bottle 30 gallons of Port

3. Bottle 15 gallons of 2008 Petit Sirah (18  months in American Oak)

4. Rack the rest of the Merlot and the Petit.

5. Wash empty barrels.

As with all Bad Astronauts events, there will probably be taste-testing and food involved at some point as well. I’m hoping there will also be more picture-taking.