FallFlight

2024 Chardonnay

The conditions for chardonnay were perfect in 2024. This was the third year these grapes were harvested by our machine. The volume was a little higher than in previous years and the grape chemistry was perfect, which is shown below. I decided to bring in new French oak barrels and conduct malolactic fermentation, a bacterial fermentation that produces the buttery sensation in Chardonnay.

Characteristics

There will be very little of the buttery sensation as I believe it tends to dwarf the minerality of the grape. Therefore, we stopped the malolactic fermentation when just enough of the acidity has been reduced to a smoother finish. Too much time in new barrels can result in a wine that exhibits too much wood character.

Winemaking & Harvest Notes

• Destemmed and pressed to 1.5 bars pressure.

• 30 ppm SO2 added to juice at pressing to limit oxidation prior to fermentation.

• Fermented in stainless steel, clarified, and added to French oak barrels for 8 months.

Harvest Date: 9/14/24. PH: 3.5 Alcohol: 12.5-13% Brix at Harvest: 22.1

Pairings: Shellfish & Seafood: Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Pasta: Risotto and Carbonara Meat: Roasted or Grilled Chicken Cheeses: Cheddar, Gruyere, and blue cheeses (like Gorgonzola)

2025 Riesling

This 2025 Vintage carries the traditional Riesling label, not the summer splash label as in years past. This is in keeping with the way we labeled our first Riesling vintage released in 2004. This was vinted in a semi-dry style with about ½-1% residual sugar. It should display the classic citrus attributes with a little sweetness on the front of the pallet and finish dry. In Germany, this could be referred to as a "Halbtroken." This wine is also used to make our Prosecco style sparkling wine.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Thai and Indian Curries, Mexican Tacos and Salsas,

Cheeses:: Young Gouda, nutty Havarti, and Jarlsberg.

Desserts: Apple tarts, pear crisps, custards: Vanilla-forward crème brûlée or light flan.

2024 Chambourcin

The weather in 2023 was dry, so the harvest was early and excellent. This wine will leave little doubt about the quality of wine from machine harvested grapes.

Characteristics

This wine is similar to many of the Chambourcin wines we have produced at. Cave Ridge, but there is a little hint of darker berry not present in previous Chambourcin. That comes from the 20% Cabernet Sauvignon I blended into this this wine. It provides additional structure to the wine and will allow it to age for at least 20 years.

Winemaking & Harvest Notes

Tons Harvested: 8.3 Juice Produced: 1328 gallons Harvest Date: 9/23/23 PH: 3.4 Alcohol: 12.5-13% Brix at Harvest: 22

Pairings: Burgers, Dark Chocolate, Red Sauce Pastas, Meats- Pork, Beef, Venison, Aged cheeses like Brie and Camembert

Red Sangria

Our signature fall Sangria- Red wine, apple cider, and fall spices.