It has simply been a dream vintage. Both quantity and quality of our grapes were excellent. Condition of the grapes was wonderful, flavors intense. Weather here was fine. No moldy rains, but the cooling that followed a hot July allowed for extended hang time during which the grapes developed lovely flavors. So, although the sugars that signal ripeness came early, the flavors that determine quality developed slowly in the already sweet grapes

In spite of increases in quantity over the past three years, we experienced no break in grape prices. The competition for the fine premium grapes that we buy means that again, we paid more this year than last in spite of the increase in quantities

Last summer we planted 500 little Merlot vines on the south east facing slope below Val's garden. 700 additional Merlot vines are now planted out on our grassy knoll known as Moondance. May Bacchus smile upon us. All is potential.

Yes, indeed. We have managed our property organically since its purchase in 1972.

"It was the best Bagna Caoda Bash ever!" As we have reported, we have heard this before. Who knows which is the best. There is something about the ambiance and flow of good feelings of the moment of conclusion and departure that seem to put a special glow on the experience. We think they are all of the Bashes are terrific, and made so by the wines, the food, and the attendees.

Our Chef was Charlie Deal of the wonderful Oswald restaurant in Santa Cruz. He created unusual and scrumptious dishes following the bagna caoda: including beans with pumpkin, deliciously succulent pork loin stuffed with fig confit and finished on the grill, grilled veggies, seasonal fruits, etc., etc. We concluded with bread pudding with white chocolate. Mmmmmmmmmm!

Food & wine matches:

Bagna Caoda and accompanying veggies and breads with an informal tasting of current releases.

Starters: Grand Ailoi and Brandade Fritters with a preview of

1996 AHLGREN Semillon, Livermore Valley

At the table: White Bean and Pumpkin Gratin with

1996 AHLGREN Chardonnay, Ventana

Brick Red Risotto with Spinach and Ricotta Salata with

1995 AHLGREN Merlot, Bates' Ranch

Grilled Pork Loin, Fruit Stuffed served with

Assorted Grilled Vegetables with

1991 AHLGREN Cabernet Sauvignon, Bates' Ranch

Seasonal Fruits and Fine Italian Cheeses,

Grana Parmesan and Gorgonzola

1976 AHLGREN Zinfandel, Sonoma, Chauvet Vineyard

White Chocolate Bread Pudding with a Variety of Berries

Freshly Ground French Press Coffee

Both the new Semillon and the old Zin deserve special mention: The Semillon had only been bottled for about three weeks. Delightful and very young, it was relatively closed at the time of this tasting. Bouquet and flavors have blossomed since. The Zinfandel, 21 years old, was remarkable. Certainly mature, dry, 17.6% naturally fermented alcohol, it was definitely not "over the hill." Comments included, "rich, fruity, blackberry, cherry, plumy, forward."

As of this moment, we have not received Charlie's bread pudding recipe, but if it arrives before we "go to press," we shall include it. If not, we will send it later.

Dexter and Val will be traveling to Italy for the big wine show, VinItaly, in Verona in the Spring of 1998. Next Oyster Bash is planned for 1999, but expect the next Bagna Caoda Bash to be on schedule for Fall of 1998.

The great Family Winemakers of California Tasting took place on November 3, 1997 at Fort Mason. 136 member wineries and some 1,800 tasters attended. Huge space, lots of room and fresh air. Wines were terrific. Great occasion, good fun. If you would like to get on the mailing list for this annual tasting, contact Margaret Harding at (415) 388 - 3949, and ask to be put on the Family Winemakers consumer mailing list for the next annual fall tasting, Fall, 1998.

Ahlgren Vineyard Wine Dinners:

February 18th, 1998 -- Ostrich Grill,

820 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA, 95010, (408) 477 - 9181.

Ostrich Grill is a very popular local spot, and they really do serve grilled ostrich. This dinner will feature five AHLGREN wines matched with a specially prepared menu.

February 24th, 1998 -- Shadowbrook Restaurant,

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, (408) 475 - 1511.

This legendary place is taken over by the Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association once a year. Following an informal tasting of wines from all of the member wineries participating, guests join the winemaker of their choice at a table featuring those wines. This is a popular event that always sells out very early. If you would like to join us, please call the Santa Cruz Winemakers office to reserve ASAP. (408) 479 - 9463.