Our Wines

 

The 2004 vintage raised the bar. We had an exceptional growing season right up until five consecutive scorching days in early September. On September 1st we brought in 8.7 tons of Sauvignon Blanc that was nearly perfect fruit. The two clones of nearly equal weight were kept separate during fermentation and brought back together for blending and fining prior to bottling. The Syrah crop was harvested on September 25th and brought in 9.9 tons. The early September heat had no significant effect on the fruit and, as was the case in 2003, the juice was fabulous in color and lush in flavor. We took off two hogs-heads of juice about an hour after crush for the 2004 Vin Gris, so this year's availability of that wine will be greater than 2003. The nearly 7 tons of Pinot Noir brought in on September 8th, 9th and 10th have again gone to TANDEM WINERY for their highly acclaimed vineyard designate program.

With the 2004 vintage (and the 2003 Syrah), look for our newly designed labels and capsules. The glass is also new for all three wines. We think the new packaging denotes classic tradition with a modern touch, and we hope it will add to your enjoyment of the whole wine drinking experience.

The 2005 growing season was difficult. With unusual weather in March, April and May, we were then hit with rain in early and mid June. Go figure! Fortunately the Pinot Noir had set and was not bothered by the rain. As usual, we dropped about a third of our pinot fruit during the green drop. The two clones were just about as normal in maturation as we ever see, and on October 1st we brought in 2.6 tons of the Pommard clone. On October 8th, we brought in 3.6 tons of the UCD 23. The two clones were fermented separately, and for the first time we are dividing the pinot harvest--with half going to Tandem Winery and half remaining with us. Yes, we will produce the first vintage of Silver Pines Vineyards Pinot Noir with the 2005 crop. Look for its release in Spring 2007. We lost about 20% of the Sauvignon Blanc to early summer rain, but the rest set very well so we were able to drop less fruit in early August. At first light on September 23rd we began the Sauvignon Blanc harvest finishing at about noon with a total of 6.3 tons. Again the two clones were kept separate for individual fermentation. The Syrah set well with only a small loss to shatter. We did our green drop at the end of veraison, and after an early fall of near perfect weather, we brought in a little over 7 tons of fabulous fruit. This year we separated the Syrah harvest into two lots that reflect the slight difference in maturation we experience on this hillside block, and their separate fermentation allowed us to take advantage of their slightly different flavor profiles.

On April 7, 2006 we completed bottling the 2005 Vin Gris of Syrah and the 2005 Sauvignon Blanc. We also completed the bottling of the 2004 Syrah. With the 2005 vintage we are changing to the Bennett Valley AVA for all of our wines. While we are in the overlap of Bennett Valley and Sonoma Mountain AVAs, we have come to realize that the unique characteristics that created the new Bennett Valley AVA are expressed to their best advantage in our fruit and the wines they produce. We feel, along with our other Bennett Valley producers, that you will quickly come to appreciate the special wines that our AVA (Bennett Valley Grape Growers Association) offer.

We just can't say enough about the dedication, knowledge and patience of our winemaker, Greg LaFollette. He does all that can be done to make our wine great, and he does it with class. With the modification of his work load, he has been able to resume the full time position of winemaker at Silver Pines Vineyards. In 2007 we undertook the production of our first Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc. Greg has worked on this project from the vineyard to the bottle and we are thrilled with the result. Look for its release in late 2008. We look forward to continuing a great collaboration.