woofnrose

The 2007 harvest produced 2 tons of Cabernet Franc, 1/2 ton of Grenache Noir, and a small amount of Merlot.

First about the Merlot - this was picked from our first plantings in 1995 which have been seriously neglected for several years while the larger vineyards were established. The grapes were at 24+ brix and picked mostly as an experiment to try out the new crusher / destemmer. Unexpectedly this has turned out to be a very rich and jammy wine, probably in part due to the stressed vines. The wine is aging in steel wth American Oak. We're expecting a dozen to a dozen and a half cases this year and are trying to decide whether to take better care of the vines or do the stress thing again for the 2008 harvest.

The Cabernet Franc also reached 24 to 24.5 brix and was picked in blocks over about 3 weeks as the rows ripend in phases. Four French Oak barrels are currently aging the wine and all show intense black fruit and color. One barrel was fermented with a different yeast which has produced particularly good results and may end up as a reserve wine; the rest will be bottled as Cab Franc and used in the 2007 Eglantine.

The Grenache Noir comes from the youngest Woof'n Rose vines. with the 2007 drought and heat these vines very nearly did not ripen, but the weekend after the big 'Witch Creek Fire' burned through Ramona, we selectively picked about 1/2 of the crop and found we had a nice 24 brix must. This promises to be a more medium bodied wine than the Cab Franc and Merlot so not sure whether it will be bottled as a Grenache or used for blending something new.

	*Woof'n Rose Wines*
	Current 2008 Releases	Upcoming in 2009
	Current 2008 Releases	Upcoming in 2009
2006 Cabernet Franc – Our estate Cabernet Franc has a hint of Plum in the nose, with Cherry and Pomegranate on the palate. This wine was aged on both French and American oak. A lovely medium bodied red wine that pairs nicely with roasted meats. 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon – Our Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose that is reminiscent of Blackberry jam. The palate opens with Bing Cherry that intensifies into a Black Cherry finish. Enjoy this wine with duck or goose. Coming Soon - June 2008 2006 Eglantine – Eglantine, a wild Dog Rose Our 2006 Eglantine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a toasty nose with Black Cherry and Pomegranate in the palate. It has been aged in both American and French Oak.		The 2007 harvest produced 2 tons of Cabernet Franc, 1/2 ton of Grenache Noir, and a small amount of Merlot. First about the Merlot - this was picked from our first plantings in 1995 which have been seriously neglected for several years while the larger vineyards were established. The grapes were at 24+ brix and picked mostly as an experiment to try out the new crusher / destemmer. Unexpectedly this has turned out to be a very rich and jammy wine, probably in part due to the stressed vines. The wine is aging in steel wth American Oak. We're expecting a dozen to a dozen and a half cases this year and are trying to decide whether to take better care of the vines or do the stress thing again for the 2008 harvest. The Cabernet Franc also reached 24 to 24.5 brix and was picked in blocks over about 3 weeks as the rows ripend in phases. Four French Oak barrels are currently aging the wine and all show intense black fruit and color. One barrel was fermented with a different yeast which has produced particularly good results and may end up as a reserve wine; the rest will be bottled as Cab Franc and used in the 2007 Eglantine. The Grenache Noir comes from the youngest Woof'n Rose vines. with the 2007 drought and heat these vines very nearly did not ripen, but the weekend after the big 'Witch Creek Fire' burned through Ramona, we selectively picked about 1/2 of the crop and found we had a nice 24 brix must. This promises to be a more medium bodied wine than the Cab Franc and Merlot so not sure whether it will be bottled as a Grenache or used for blending something new.