Harvest is very much upon us, and inevitably it is the very end of the month before I’m getting my email out to you.
This vintage was much earlier than last year, and one of the driest years on record. I was very glad to have irrigation for the young vines on the estate vineyard – both to help them manage the extreme drought, and to extend the hang time as long as possible.
At the moment we’re in the eye of the storm, having just pressed and barreled down the first of the Jezebel pinot noir lots, and getting ready to ferment the estate wine. The must has been cold soaking outside (where it’s cooler) for two weeks. As they warm up naturally in the fermentation hall at the winery, the native yeasts become active and start to turn our lovingly tended grapes in to wine. This year is the complete opposite of last vintage and I’m enjoying finding out how to make the most of it.
Sadly, we will be closing the tasting room at the end of November. I’m making such a small amount of wine under Willful as the vineyard matures (only 370 cases last year) that it doesn’t make sense for me to keep it open. I will be doing tastings by appointment though, and I’m looking forward to being able to connect with people personally. From December onwards you can call or email me directly to set up an appointment. Wine will always be available online of course, and our new web site should be up and running in a week or two.
We are still offering amazing discounts on the small amount of Daedalus wine that remains. Go to www.daedaluscellars.com to order online, or stop by the tasting room and visit Jennifer. We still have the odd bottle of library wine available too.
Pam
Owner, winemaker, vineyard lackey
WINE ADVOCATE SCORES:
Wine Advocate #202, August 2011, David Schildknecht
Willful Pinot Noir 2011, 90pts
“Sour cherry and red raspberry are tinged with rose hip and cinnamon in the nose and on a sappy palate that nicely balances invigorating tartness against incipient textural allure borne of ultra fine tannins.”
Jezebel Blanc 2011, 89 pts
“Fresh grapefruit, pineapple, and peach are garlanded with orange blossom and laced with bittersweet candied citrus peel in an infectiously juicy, invigorating, and long-lasting amalgam… outstanding value:”
Jezebel Pinot Noir 2011, 88+ pts
“Red currant jelly laced with rose hip and orange rind takes on a faintly sweet sour tone from the sheer brashness of berry acids that emerge in the finish, but I like the vivacity and refreshment here… excellent value”
Thanksgiving at WILLFUL WINE CO…..
pre-Thanksgiving Weekend: Stay tuned, we will be forwarding to our special friends an exclusive peek of our new releases.
November 23-25 ~ 11 to 5pm.
Taste the inaugural release of Willful Wine Co’s estate Pinot noir from the Dundee Hills, plus a preview of the super-limited Cabernet Franc and Brut Rosé, PLUS 2009 Daedalus Cellars Labyrinth and Maresh Pinot noirs. $10 Tasting.
Order a case online or through us directly and we will ship for free anything over 12 bottles. Inventories are low, contact Jennifer for current list and sale price offerings.
