NEWS
Check back often for news on harvest, winemaking, events and other fun wine-related things.
September 2020 Harvest Update
Our 2020 grape harvest has begun! Pinot Gris has typically been our first pick, but for the first time in 10 years, we started with Merlot from Red Mountain's Quintessence Vineyard. This wonderful fruit will be part of the 2020 Fly Rod Cellars wine. Harvest was Sept. 9, we crushed that night and did a three day cold soak to help bring out color from the skins. Then we began a very active fermentation (photo to right).
Next was our Gamache Vineyard Pinot Gris, used for our Three Forks Rose'. Harvest was Sept. 10, and crush was Sept. 12. After a three day cold soak, the juice was a pinkish-red, ready for pressing and settling. Fermentation has started in stainless steel tank, and we expect to do a long, cool fermentation to maintain flavors and aromas.
Our next scheduled picks were delayed due to hazardous air quality for the vineyard workers due to wildfire smoke. Our final pick of Red Mountain Merlot (from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard) was Sept. 19. Our Ciel du Cheval Grenache is scheduled for Sept. 22. The good news is that the smoke filtered the sun, so ripening was also delayed. The smoke has now cleared, the skies are sunny and blue, and the weather is warm. Hopefully harvest 2020 will finish without more challenges.
What impact will smoke have on the 2020 wines? We're a bit unsure at this point. Smoke taint isn't always perceptible in the grapes or newly finished wines. It often shows up after bottle aging. We had a week or more of smoky, hazardous air. Several sources said that the smoke was mostly larger particles that do not penetrate grape skins. The smaller particles that would be a concern peaked for only about 90 min., so their impact could be minimal.
We are monitoring ongoing smoke taint information from Washington State University and our industry orgainzations. We can make a few changes to our normal winemaking techniques to minimize smoke taint in finished wines, but so far haven't found it necessary. If wine ends up smoke tainted, the best advice right is to drink it early and not let it age.
Sep 21, 2020 at 9:31 AM
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Rose' and Mistral Case Sale
Save 40% now on cases of our 2019 Three Forks Rose' and 2014 Mistral GSM Blend. Rose' is great any time of the year-- #Rose'AllDay. Normally $240/case, our Rose' is priced at $144/case, a savings of $96. Our fruity and earthy Mistral is normally $396/case, on sale now for only $237.60, a savings of $158.40. Sales tax and shipping (if applcable) not included.
You can reserve your cases now by purchasing online and choosing either shipping ($19.98 flat rate) or winery pickup. Sale pricing valid through Nov. 1 or until the wine is sold out.
Sep 19, 2020 at 6:41 AM
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Winery Closed September 12
The winery will be closed on Sat. Sept. 12 due to grape pickup in E. Washington. See you on Sat. Sept. 19.
Sep 11, 2020 at 1:02 PM
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New Fall Hours
For Fall, we are going back to our original hours of 1:00-5:00 pm on Saturdays, with weather-dependent outdoor tastings due to COVID-19. Crush will begin next week, so stop by and smell the fermenting wine!
Sep 2, 2020 at 10:51 AM
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