2006 KINKEAD RIDGE VINTAGE REPORT

As this is written (January 2007), I've had the opportunity to both reflect on the vintage past and taste the wines as they have begun to develop. Going into harvest season, the vineyard was in excellent condition. Crop load and canopy management was on target. Weather deteriorated in mid-September and some of the harvest conditions were as difficult as I've ever experienced. October in particular was troublesome as cold temperatures and excessive rainfall limited maturities.

Despite the above, white wines are turning out surprisingly well. Some may rival the best we have ever released. Red wines, however, are questionable and many may end up as second label when released in 2008. So far we have had a mild winter and I look forward to a spring with little winter damage and overall good growing conditions in 2007.

Photo by Richard Nordstrom Wednesday, October 25. Eighth pick: Judy picking Petit Verdot. Finally, a nice sunny day. And harvest is over!

Monday, October 23. Seventh pick: Cabernet Sauvignon. 11 hardy souls stuck it out in very cold conditions, including snow flurries. 

Wednesday, October 18. Sixth pick: Syrah. A large quantity of marginal fruit was dropped on the ground by choice... the rainy September conditions weren't great for Syrah which loves a dry climate. There will be very little Syrah produced next year... and this year's small production of 147 cases won't last long.

Wednesday October 11. Fifth pick. Cabernet Franc. 

 Monday, October 9. Fourth pick: Roussanne.

Friday October 6. Third pick: Viognier.

Wednesday September 27. Second pick: Riesling. A much nicer day! Here's Marshmallow the cat keeping an eye on things! 

Thursday September 22. First harvest, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Sadly, the rain came in four hours early, and we were picking in the rain. We will have a vivid weather memory of this vintage!