October 3, 2003
Harvest Update-A Post ScriptWinemaker, Norman Yost, of Flying Goat told me "Harvest this vintage was fast and furious-over all very unique and different-especially for pinot noir." He told me he was seeing high sugars at picking, "but not as mature flavors for the sugar levels as we'd like." He attributed this to the fact we had no winter in 2003 with bud break occurring in January.
Norm added there were a lot of irregular clusters-grapes that look like small green ball bearings within clusters of ripe grapes. Irregularities like this he attributes to "shatter."
Shatter can happen during flowering (usually in May) and is caused by windy and cool conditions in the vineyard.
Tonnages are way down according to Norm. He told me in most vineyards, pinot noir yields were from a ton to a ton-and-a-quarter per acre.
A Whirlwind Harvest
Kathy Joseph of Fiddlehead Cellars and Fiddlestix Vineyard echoed lower yields. She told me the pinot noir yield was about 1.6 tons to the acre, down a bit from what she expected.
And she said they harvested 100 acres in about eight days.
October Harvest Events
October 30 through November 2 the San Luis Obispo Vintners and Growers celebrate harvest 2003.
- Thursday, October 30, 5 p.m., SLOVAG presents a progressive food and wine pairing. Participating restaurants include three San Luis Obispo eateries-Blue, Novo and Cafe Roma. $60.
- Friday, October 31, 6:30 p.m., SLOVAG presents a Harvest Halloween Winemaker's Feast at Rancho Arroyo Grande Vineyard. Music by Louie Ortega and the Wild Ones. Lacey from SLOVAG tells me there will be a costume contest, but costumes are not required. $75.
- Saturday, November 1:
8:30 to 10:30, SLOVAG presents a food fair and cooking demo at the San Luis Obispo farmers market.1 to 4 p.m., the grand tasting takes place at Biddle Regional Park in Arroyo Grande. About 30 wineries will be participating. About 30 restaurants will be providing food that is included in the ticket price. A barrel tasting too! Tickets are $60which include a commemorative logo glass. $35 for designated drivers.
- Sunday, November 2, many wineries in Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley and See Canyon will have open houses.
For details call (805) 541-5868 or visit their website at www.slowine.com
Bon appetit!Santa Maria Times wine columnist, Bob Senn, lives in the Los Alamos Valley and owns the Los Olivos Wine & Spirits Emporium.
Times wine columnist, Bob Senn, lives in the Los Alamos Valley and owns the Los Olivos Wine & Spirits Emporium.
