A double Cabernet bottling.

Had a quick bottling event in Vinoland today.  A friend's Cabernet Franc and Vinoland's own Cabernet Sauvignon are now slumbering peacefully inside antique green Bordeaux bottles.  Vinoland's Syrah is still waiting to be bottled, but thoughts are now moving on to all things harvest.  Mumm Napa started their harvest yesterday by bringing in their first Pinot noir for sparkling wine production, so other wineries will not be too far behind bringing in their white wine grapes.  I love this time of year.

Now you see them...

...now you don't! Today was our Syrah harvest, (as the above 'before & after' piccy shows). Vinomaker had recruited two reliable 'Wine Slaves' to help us relieve the vines of their crop, but it still took rather a long time. This is probably the earliest Vinomaker can remember harvesting Syrah. The past weeks warm temps had brought the fruit on beautifully; nice ripe, sweet flavours and softened skins...no hint of green beans at all. I must admit I took pride in the crop and I gave myself a well deserved pat on the back for my pruning prowess. Well, I would have if my glove hadn't been stuck to my hand with sugary juice. The grapes are in Vinomaker's capable hands now...mine are too sticky!!!