Another year in the books.

[Merlot Joe]

Offically but unoffically I finshed picking grapes for the 2012 harvest at 11:55PM 10/16/2012. The last 75 tons heads in at 5:00am 10/17/12.

I still have a few more days to go. I filled all my contract numbers with Clos Du Bois and have some excess Chardonnay which I have sold to another winery to picked Thursday morning. I still have 3 friends to finish picking some Cab and Syrah and will be done with everything by mid day Tuesday. Rain is expected here Wednesday.

At first it looked to be an average year but the Chardonnay crop turned out to be about 20% more than we had estimated. So it looks like we made a few extra bucks for the first time in a couple of years. Now I just need to figure out a way to keep Obama's hands off of it.

Also no rain this year. Actually the weather was great all the way from March to it looks like next Tuesday. First time that has happened in about 5 years. My only bitch was the fuel cost for harvest this year. I haven't received all the bills but I am sure it is up by at least 25% over 2011.

What we picked

Sav Blanc 59. tons

Pinot Grigio 158 tons

Chardonnay 758 tons

Merlot 92 Tons

The vintage look like it will be a good one. The Sugar were all high 23.9 to 25.6 brix and the fruit was nice.

Well as I sit here and sip my Jack and 7 before heading for some shut eye, I say so long to 2012 harvest from heaven. Lets just hope 2013 is not one from hell or beyond.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D

Edited to add: forgot to add the important one Merlot

[Ardbeg... innit]

Congrats Joe, its always great to have the security of having a year's worth of work come in on time, in good condition, and in surplus.

[Tex]

Good for you Joe - and congratulations on the good harvest.

[Chicago Jake]

Thank you for doing God's work and keeping our nation supplied with alcohol.

[Merlot Joe]

I am glad I can help.

[Merlot Joe]

Now I am really done. Just finsished picking some Cab for a friend. Last pick of the year. Tuesday we start to clean up and put away all the toys until next year.

[Tex]

Time for Joe to party.