The last weekend in June, 2011 – our wonderful friend Eddie V. Bruno-Mazariego came from Carson, NV to help us bottle the 2008 Merlot. We had a fun weekend in the Vineyards as well. Sadly, on Sept. 10th, Eddie was killed in a motorcycle accident and is sorely missed! I loved the man dearly, and I had no idea that weekend would be the last time we would see him – I’m glad it was a fun weekend filled with cherished memories. Cheers to a good friend and I’m grateful for his help in our wine making efforts.

The 2008 Merlot is one of the best wines I’ve released to date. I am entering it in the National Competition, and expect it will be my first Gold Medal wine. It is 98% Merlot and 2% Petit Sirah. It’s not like a typical Merlot. This was was aged in 3 types of Oak over 2.5 years and although the pH is too high for it to cellar for very long, it’s drinkable now and has had many wine makers and others who say it’s one of the best Merlot’s they’ve tasted.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was only 23 brix at harvest time. It was a disappointing purchase from a vineyard I will never use again. I had 2 vintages from there that were disappointing. With lots of loving care and blending with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Sirah (still 78% Cabernet Sauvignon) it’s turned out to be a decent table wine, but if it wins even an honorable mention I’ll be happy. It was bottled this week – we’ll label and capsule the bottles and release it soon.