Racking

The racking of our 2007 reds is in full swing. Between bottlings (our 2006 Chardonnays go to glass at the end of next week) we are getting to the first round of our aerating rackings (see photos). After pumping the clear wine off the gross lees, we splash the young wine though a rough screen and then on to tank. The screen removes and solids (skins or seeds) and also aerates the wine. This splashing allows some oxygen to interact with the young wine and really helps to build structure and mouthfeel in varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.



Above is some 2007 Camel Hill Cabernet Franc from a newer planting. The special clone we planted seems to be doing phenomenally well as it was our favorite of all the Camel Hill Franc lots (we had 5 before some blending).

We also racked the three lots of Camel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (2 from older plantings and some new clone 337 on the lower vineyard). These lots all had loads of red fruits, fine tannins and notes of currant and cassis.

Before racking the wines to tank Ryan and I taste each bbl, make some preliminary blends based on quality and style and then pump the wines to tank. Tomorrow the barrels will get washed and I'll run some analysis on the lots. We'll adjust the SO2 and then return the wines to barrel on Thursday. We try and rack our Bordeaux reds 3-4 times a year, using aeration each time in the first year, and then on a cases by case basis during year two of elevage.

Tasting the racked wines in tank gives us an even better idea of the quality of wines we have from 2007: so far things look spectacular!