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Ahlgren

NOVEMBER 1999

Photos and poetry in motion: check out fabulous Crush 1999 

A Short Diary of Winemaking Days and Nights, Vintage '99

October 25, 3:15 p.m. -- Dexter is in the truck driving back with the second load of Ventana Chardonnay. Picking was delayed due to early morning fog, which dampened the grapes. We waited for the sun to dry them before picking and avoided dilution of the juice by foggy dew on the grapes.

Crushing begins as soon as he arrives back at the winery. With about four press loads to crush and press, we will work well into the night.

Harvest Moon Cab comes in Tuesday and Wednesday, Bates' Ranch comes in on Thursday. Then only Nebbiolo and Ventana Syrah will be hanging out there for further ripening. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a long enough continuation of this lovely Indian Summer sun to get these last grapes well ripened. Such a late season is a serious challenge in areas as cool as the Santa Cruz Mountains and Ventana.

This warm fall saved us after a very cool summer. We did wonder, at times, if the grapes could really ripen. The garden did pretty well, especially peppers and basil. Tomatoes did better than in the prior two summers, but still not up to the sensational levels that Val has come to expect from her hillside garden.  

October 26, 2:00 p.m. -- Very weary after late Chardonnay crush last night. Dexter bringing in first load of Harvest Moon Cab. Called in to say the grapes look very good. Mature fruit without extra high sugars. This means we should get good balance with relatively moderate alcohol. 

October 27, 3:10 p.m. -- Dexter is on his way with our second load of Harvest Moon Cab. First load came in last evening. We finished crushing about 11:30 p.m. Hoping to get finished somewhat earlier this evening. Dexter will be bringing in first load of Bates' Cab tomorrow. Should be able to crush in the early evening. Again, sugars are moderate, and maturity looks good. No grapes coming in on Friday, Oct. 29, but there is lots to do. Many caps to punch! Syrah from Ventana will be picked on Monday, and Dexter will be bringing it in for crushing, hopefully in the afternoon. Next week, we will be getting the second load of Bates' Cab and ultimately the Nebbiolo.

               We have pressed the Merlot, and the Paso Robles Zinfandel. Semillon is well on its way to completing fermentation in the barrels, and is extraordinary. First crush of Chardonnay is fermenting in barrels and the cellar smells deliciously of the fermentation. The air locks in the bungs are clacking away as they release the carbon dioxide being generated. The fragrances are unbelievably delicious.

The juice from the second crushing and pressing of Chardonnay has settled and is being put into barrels. It will be inoculated with a pure strain of Champagne yeast, and then the number of air locks and the magnitude of the fragrances will multiply and sounds and smells will waft up into the house. Love this time of year!

         Rain threatening this evening. Hoping it will pass by us and the grapes that are still out there. 

October 28, 9:15 a.m. --Up to 1/2 inch of rain fell on Bates' Ranch and Ventana Vineyard during the night; 4/5ths of an inch here. Picking for today suspended. The forecast indicates warm weather and wind, promising  to dry things out nicely. First picking of our Bates' Cab now planned for Saturday.

Finished crushing last load of Harvest Moon last night at 11:30 p.m. We will get a bit of a rest today, at least from grape hauling and crushing.

ADVENTURES AT AHLGREN VINEYARD: Bird and Beast Watch

	As reported, the Black Phoebe family returned, and nestlings were raised under the roof overhang. Instead of using the top of the handle of Dexter's splitting maul as a perch to watch for passing flies, as they had last year, this year, they chose to perch on the tip of the antenna of our new car. Very classy guano island!
	We have a red shouldered hawk flying and calling over the neighborhood, and saw a winter wren the other day.    Red Shouldered hawk at left

               Val saw a gray fox running, crossing Moondance this morning, such an unexpected and lovely experience.

               Dexter has seen sign of wild pigs on neighboring properties. None here, so far. We hope the fence will offer some deterrence, although pigs are capable of tearing fencing out, if they decide to. Hope they wander on before mushroom season begins. Val wants first crack at the those 'shrooms!

RETURN OF THE NATIVE!

               Over the past few years, questions about the future of Ahlgren Vineyard have been raised time and again. While Dexter and Val have been aging like fine wine, at some point, in some way, the reins (or the press?) will inevitably pass to a younger generation. After a few life changing events and much intense discussion, we decided that the younger generation would be myself, Beth Ahlgren, Dexter's and Val's youngest daughter.

               I returned to California on 9/9/99 after living in Portland, Maine for ten years. Toward the end of my stay in Maine, I participated in marketing and promotional events for Ahlgren Vineyard. Believe it or not, Maine, whose population is just over one million, has a huge following of Ahlgren wine lovers. So, for me, marketing and public relations were a rewarding way to become re-involved in the winery, even though I was so far away. Luckily, I returned in time for this year's harvest, and have since been immersed in everything to do with our wine.

               I have been meeting our growers and becoming reacquainted with our local brokers and sales force, as well as being involved in all aspects of the daily activities of the harvest and winemaking. Other local wineries have been gracious and generous in their welcoming of me and in sharing information.

               I have also greatly enjoyed the time with Dexter and Val, sharing their love for the business and their land. All in all, my re-entry has been easier than I could have imagined.

               I will never regret the time I spent in Maine, but it feels very good to be back home. I look forward to many years ahead here at Ahlgren, continuing the established tradition of Ahlgren winemaking, and hope to share it all with you, one way or another. --  Beth Ahlgren

AHLGREN WINE MAKES GREAT GIFTS

We can gift wrap and enclose cards for gift shipments.            Give us a call:

Local phone: (831) 338-6071

Long distance:  (800) 338-6071

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

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 AHLGREN WINE CLUB MEMBERSHIP MAKES A

TERRIFIC GIFT

We can set up a year's membership in the Wine Club, in your name, to the lucky person of your choice. You decide how many bottles, in increments of three, you would like to give, and we charge to your credit card at time of shipment. You can "subscribe" for more than one year, if you wish. Now here is a gift that keeps on giving!

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