David Coffaro Winery and Vineyard Winemaker's Diary 2002 Weeks 31-34

David Coffaro Vineyard and Winery Winemaker's Diary

Weeks 31-34

July 28, 2002 to August 24, 2002

Saturday August 3, 2002
Not much has been happening here. The highs during the day remain a little below normal. Mainly this is because the fog has come in almost every morning. I still believe we are one to two weeks behind normal. We are preparing to leave for a week starting tomorrow.
Last night I opened our 2001 Carignan and Zinfandel and was very happy with their extended long finish. I did decided to enter the Sonoma County Harvest Fair for the first time in two years. They require at least 75 cases for sale and we usually don't have that available. This year we will enter the carignan in the Rhone types, varietals or blends; our zinfandel in the $24.99 and under zin section; and our Estate Cuvee and Terre Melange in the generic red category. In the past we have earned silvers, but only one gold. These wines are so young I am expecting the same.
Tuesday August 13, 2002
I am Back!!!! Unlike last entry, There is a lot that has happened. Unfortunately, I have not the time to relate all. I've been away for 10 days and the vineyard looks different. I even found bunches that looked and tasted ripe. I did see as I suspected very uneven ripening at this time. I am not concerned yet, because the flavor in the ripe berries is great. We will probably lose some of these ripe bunches to raisins and ultimately to hard rocks (dehydration). Time will tell!!!!
Brendan and Steve will show up tomorrow to prepare for our bottling of 2001 ZP2C. I have decided to bottle 150 cases only. I will save the rest for topping off barrels next year. That is the ultimate, as far as I am concerned, using equal amounts of last years wine to top off the next vintage--and it is ok with the atf.
Our biggest concern lately is the complaint that was filed in June claiming we need to comply to the ADA guidelines which require wheel chair access to our winery along with many other requirements that could cost us many thousands of dollars. Of course I thought I was only open by appointment, but this is a gray area and may mean that if I am open for retail sales at anytime, I must comply to all rules. What is strange is that we have not been served yet. We must be served before progression in this suit. If they do not serve us, we have nothing to worry about. BUT I have been assured that we will be served and probably right in the middle of harvest. I NEED HELP!!!!! If any of you have advise or can help me out, please let me know. MOSTLY I need to hire a lawyer that is knowledgeable in Federal suits regarding the ADA (American for disabilities act) Can any of you suggest an expert?
Monday 19, 2002
Yes, we did bottle August 15 right on schedule. 154 cases of 2001 ZP2C. It was too easy so I need a new challenge. This new year will be a challenge. We will start harvesting within two weeks with our Sauv Blanc. I will also ferment our 40 vines of chardonnay and 10 vines of Semillon together and probably blend into the Sauv Blanc.
The zinfandel is looking very ripe. Brendan will be back Friday to do sugar tests. I am amazed that the uneven ripening I saw last week has disappeared. The color and taste of the berries is encouraging. Maybe I am getting too old, but it reminds me of last year, No I am not getting too old, this year could be good again. I did see many bunches and they did look large. I believe we will be producing 5000 cases total, which is up from 4,585 in 2001. Last week I did contract for 2 tons of Petite Sirah from a neighbor. This Petite Sirah will be very tannic. There are so many variables that I am really excited.
Tuesday 20, 2002
As I have said before, I have lived my life as an open book. I tell the truth and sometimes it gets me in trouble. I must state that I was served with a complaint today alleging that I am not in compliance with the ADA or the Americans for Disabilities Act. I have been advised by many customers who are lawyers to say little, but I will promise I will not be silent for long.

Dave

Home | Read | Diary | Public Forum | Tell Us What You Think of Our Diary! | Last Week | Next Week

	*Saturday August 3, 2002* Not much has been happening here. The highs during the day remain a little below normal. Mainly this is because the fog has come in almost every morning. I still believe we are one to two weeks behind normal. We are preparing to leave for a week starting tomorrow. Last night I opened our 2001 Carignan and Zinfandel and was very happy with their extended long finish. I did decided to enter the Sonoma County Harvest Fair for the first time in two years. They require at least 75 cases for sale and we usually don't have that available. This year we will enter the carignan in the Rhone types, varietals or blends; our zinfandel in the $24.99 and under zin section; and our Estate Cuvee and Terre Melange in the generic red category. In the past we have earned silvers, but only one gold. These wines are so young I am expecting the same. *Tuesday August 13, 2002* I am Back!!!! Unlike last entry, There is a lot that has happened. Unfortunately, I have not the time to relate all. I've been away for 10 days and the vineyard looks different. I even found bunches that looked and tasted ripe. I did see as I suspected very uneven ripening at this time. I am not concerned yet, because the flavor in the ripe berries is great. We will probably lose some of these ripe bunches to raisins and ultimately to hard rocks (dehydration). Time will tell!!!! Brendan and Steve will show up tomorrow to prepare for our bottling of 2001 ZP2C. I have decided to bottle 150 cases only. I will save the rest for topping off barrels next year. That is the ultimate, as far as I am concerned, using equal amounts of last years wine to top off the next vintage--and it is ok with the atf. Our biggest concern lately is the complaint that was filed in June claiming we need to comply to the ADA guidelines which require wheel chair access to our winery along with many other requirements that could cost us many thousands of dollars. Of course I thought I was only open by appointment, but this is a gray area and may mean that if I am open for retail sales at anytime, I must comply to all rules. What is strange is that we have not been served yet. We must be served before progression in this suit. If they do not serve us, we have nothing to worry about. BUT I have been assured that we will be served and probably right in the middle of harvest. I NEED HELP!!!!! If any of you have advise or can help me out, please let me know. MOSTLY I need to hire a lawyer that is knowledgeable in Federal suits regarding the ADA (American for disabilities act) Can any of you suggest an expert? *Monday 19, 2002* Yes, we did bottle August 15 right on schedule. 154 cases of 2001 ZP2C. It was too easy so I need a new challenge. This new year will be a challenge. We will start harvesting within two weeks with our Sauv Blanc. I will also ferment our 40 vines of chardonnay and 10 vines of Semillon together and probably blend into the Sauv Blanc. The zinfandel is looking very ripe. Brendan will be back Friday to do sugar tests. I am amazed that the uneven ripening I saw last week has disappeared. The color and taste of the berries is encouraging. Maybe I am getting too old, but it reminds me of last year, No I am not getting too old, this year could be good again. I did see many bunches and they did look large. I believe we will be producing 5000 cases total, which is up from 4,585 in 2001. Last week I did contract for 2 tons of Petite Sirah from a neighbor. This Petite Sirah will be very tannic. There are so many variables that I am really excited. *Tuesday 20, 2002* As I have said before, I have lived my life as an open book. I tell the truth and sometimes it gets me in trouble. I must state that I was served with a complaint today alleging that I am not in compliance with the ADA or the Americans for Disabilities Act. I have been advised by many customers who are lawyers to say little, but I will promise I will not be silent for long.

	Dave
	Home \| Read \| Diary \| Public Forum \| Tell Us What You Think of Our Diary! \| Last Week \| Next Week