I can almost feel the sand between my toes. The annual Wind River Cellars Holiday in Mexico is less than seven weeks away and I think about it every time I punch down the remaining fermenting Cab Franc, Lemberger and Syrah (Which all smell fantastic).
I've been busier than a sailor on leave. Pinot noir, Tempranillo and Merlot have all been put to barrel and I'm excited to see what the next 18 months does to them. Saturday, Kris had another dumb idea of making a white port out of our estate riesling. Do you have one of those bosses that comes up with a rediculous idea and tells you to make it happen? Just to show her what a silly idea it was, I did it. I've since turned it into my idea and now the barrel members have yet another exclusive geat wine to enjoy. I'm sure glad I came up with that idea. Speaking of port, we've decided to have a little port celebration. December 9th we will be, not only pouring our current release of "Port of Celilo", but we will also be tasting several vintages out of the barrel, past vintages, and yes, the white port that we will be calling "Harriot's Port". (Harriot is a dear neighbor who owns an adjacent vineyard from which some of our award winning riesling is grown.) Rumor has it that visitors will be able to purchase "Port of Celilo" in a 750 ml bottle for the same price as the usual 375 ml bottle.
This past week I didn't leave the winery much but I was visited by Ron from Marshal's. Yes, Ron brought beer. I was also visited by Tonya the website designer, Morgan and his wife, Christine, and their son, Peyton. Peyton can pound more syrah than any 18 month old child I've ever seen. Tonya can just plain pound anything that's in front of her.
This weekend I will be pouring wine at George's Wine Shop in Bellvue. Other than that I should be around pressing off the last of an incredible vintage.
You complete me, Husum!
Joel
