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Ahlgren

Spring 2000

LETTER FROM THE WINEMAKER, Beth Ahlgren

CHANGES:  As you know from my letter in the last Wine Club News, I returned to California last fall and became involved in all things Ahlgren after a 10 year stay in Maine. My position at that time was Assistant Winemaker. On January 2^nd of this year, Dexter suffered a small stroke. He is really doing phenomenally well, and you would never know, being with him, that anything had changed. But, changed it has, and the bottom line is that it is time for him to enjoy at least, a partial retirement. And so, I am now the Winemaker, with Dexter serving as the Winemaker Emeritus and my mentor.

            Just when we thought we had answered all the questions regarding the future of AHLGREN VINEYARD, new ones have arisen with this change of Winemaker. I am very dedicated to continuing the tradition of wine making that Dexter and Val have established here. It is based on great grapes plus sound winemaking practice, and produces excellent quality vintages. While AHLGREN is undergoing a slow growth pattern, the objective is to stay small so we can remain true to what it is we are here for --- quality winemaking!

As a result of my new position, my life has become very busy and focused, with all of the fascinations my job provides. This is the time of year to hammer out grape agreements for the coming harvest. Some are done over a nice dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants that sell AHLGREN wines. Some are done with a handshake while walking the vineyard.

I have indeed been walking vineyards this month, and what I see to date looks very promising. It has been a mild spring with rain in some areas. Young shoot growth is beautiful. Bloom is just beginning, so I am hoping for nothing less than perfect weather for at least awhile, until the fruit is set.

Regardless of the shape negotiations for grapes take, they are based on relationships, some longstanding and some recently established. I am very fortunate to step into a position where these arrangements are built on mutual respect. I see grape growing and winemaking as two very separate ventures, but also as two halves of a whole. It is crucial that the vineyard owner have control over his production, but in partnership with the winery. It is crucial that this winery receive fruit that is of the highest quality based on standards set by the Winemaker and maintained by the grower. That happens when a high level of trust and commitment to the grapes and to the wines exists.

This year we expect to make Pinot noir for the first time. It is rather an adventure and an excuse for me to attend a three day conference in Oregon on the grape and the wine. I am greatly looking forward to the experience. Until then, I am learning as much as I can and tasting Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot noirs that blow my mind. Next, a tasting of Burgundies. Work, work, work … .

            In honor of my new position here, the Black Phoebes have added  the antenna of my car to  their list of favorite resting places. Judging by the evidence they leave, they are thriving. (More on the Phoebes in the Adventure… section.)

            I look forward to continuing opportunities to meet our Wine Club Members. I have had the happy opportunity to meet many of you at a variety of events, and do want to thank you for your support and encouragement. We could not be here if it were not for you lovers of AHLGREN  wines, and I look forward to meeting the rest of you.

Enjoy the summer, Beth

GROWING REQUESTS FOR LIBRARY WINES

When the AHLGREN Wine Club was created, we promised Library Wines would be available for purchase by Wine Club Members. So, at the Oyster Bashes and the Bagna Caôda Bashes we tasted and offered some of our collection of Library Wines for sale. The Bashes have passed, so we are working on new ways for you to taste and purchase the occasional offering of these rare, aged AHLGREN treasures

Many of you have built your cellar collections of AHLGREN over the years, but for those who are wondering about what might be available in the AHLGREN Library, read on:

YOU ARE INVITED!

WINE CLUB Library Wine Tasting and Picnic Day

Sunday, July 16, 2000, Noon till 4:00             

Bring a blanket or a table cloth  and a picnic lunch, choose a spot with a view in the vineyard or the garden, and settle into the pleasures of a summer day at AHLGREN VINEYARD. Remember your sunblock and a straw hat.

You will have the opportunity to meet and talk wine with Beth Ahlgren, our new Winemaker, and with Dexter and Val as well.

                We will taste current releases plus some Library Wines. And, limited amounts of the older wines will be available for purchase.

                We will fire up the Webers so you can grill if you choose.

                We will certainly taste the '97 Bates' RESERVE, even though it may still be in barrel.

R.S.V.P: Please call or email to reserve your space. We will advise you on the parking situation and update on the details, including wines to be poured, when we receive your response.

WINES SALES AT www.ahlgrenvineyard.com

We have a brand new and secure on-line wine shop, so that you can purchase AHLGREN wines on-line. As a Wine Club Member, you will receive a password and enter the special page that will display your discounts. Hopefully, this will all be in operation by the time this newsletter arrives.

Library wines will also be available in limited quantities. Watch the site for occasional, but continuing opportunities to add these aged wines to your collections.

ADVENTURES AT AHLGREN VINEYARD:

	If it is spring, the Black Phoebe family must be with us. Sure enough, they have returned to build their nest at the peak of the roof, settled snuggly in their traditional nesting site to raise another brood.
Black Phoebes are fly catchers, and so their flight patterns are displays of flips, dips, and twirls. They establish favorite spots to perch in the garden and around the house to watch for passing tidbits. The favorite spot this year is the top of one of our retired ratchet presses, but as Beth says, they have also selected her car antenna tip as another perch with a view.                 This is one of those years when the oak moths are with us as well. The tiny green larvae are providing a feast for the birds. Robins, juncos and towees  are on patrol.
	There seem to be more hummingbirds than ever before. Dexter is filling the feeders two and three times a day. At a quart a fill, two feeders, that is a lot of tiny hummingbird sips! Both Allen's and Anna's hummers are here.
The usual cast of characters, in addition to the above, includes Red Shouldered and Red Tailed hawks, sparrows of a couple of varieties, Black-headed Gross Beaks, and about three coveys of quail. Have not heard the Great Horned Owl in awhile. The Turkey Vultures do a regular flyover to check out the site.

THE "BARN"

                Plans and preliminary designs have been submitted to the County for a new "Agricultural Support Building" to house the office, lab, equipment, tools and supplies. There will be an attached garden house, and a real restroom. No more porta potty! Of course, there will be a cellar, and this one will be for red wine, exclusively. AHLGREN is growing, but not too much.

                Val is looking forward to getting the winery business out of the house, which has been overwhelmed. The current cellar will remain active, and tastings will continue there.

NEW EDITION OF THE AHLGREN LOGO T SHIRT

If you have seen our web page, www.ahlgrenvineyard.com/wine.htm , with the great logo of the bottle of AHLGREN pouring red wine into the letters of our name, overflowing to splash the page, you will have a good idea of how this T shirt looks. There is also a picture of Kenny, our cellarmaster wearing his.  Bright and bold colors and design on Beefy T white short sleeved shirt.  $12.00  XXL-S

                Also, a continuing supply of both AHLGREN logo glasses is available. Give us a call to order.

AHLGREN WINE MAKES GREAT GIFTS

              As many of you know, we can gift wrap and enclose cards for gift shipments Give us a call or try our new secure web site for click and ship convenience:

www.ahlgrenvineyard.com

Local phone: (831) 338-6071

Toll Free:  (800) 338-6071

Fax: (831) 338-9111; email:ahlgren@ahlgrenvineyard.com.

(Do not email credit card information.)

SALUD! CHEERS! À VOTRE SANTÈ!

Beth,  Dexter  &  Val Ahlgren

Any comments or suggestions may be sent to the  WebMaven .         The contents and information contained on this page are the property of Ahlgren Vineyard, and may not be used without their express permission.     Copyright © 2009 Ahlgren Vineyard.  All Rights reserved.                This page was last edited on 08/25/09.