Winemaker's Journal

March

Our cork standards are among the most stringent in the wine business.

One would think that the late winter and early spring would be a very relaxed time in the cellar, but in fact, like February, March is quite busy.

As the month begins, we are transferring the last of the 2005 Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons from barrel to tank in preparation for bottling. Even though the wine was blended prior to going to barrel two years ago, we blend again to assure that every bottle of Silver Oak is seamless from the beginning of bottling to the last case. In the Alexander Valley, we are also blending the used and the new barrel components together.

The 2007 Napa Valley and Alexander Valley wines are already blended and are in the process of being transferred from tank to barrel where they will quietly spend the next two years. The Alexander Valley of course goes into a mix of new and used barrels, while the Napa goes into 100% new. The 2007 Napa Valley is being barreled down off-site due to the construction of our new barrel chai, office and tasting room facility in Oakville. This time next year, we will be filling the first vintage in our new winery!

This is also the time of year that we begin to receive bottling supplies. We purchase excellent corks form the best suppliers we can find. Our cork standards are among the most stringent in the wine business. We evaluate corks on a physical, chemical and sensory basis before and after delivery. We also check cartons, labels, and screen printed bottles for consistency and quality.

March is truly a month of transition. It takes us from the blending and barreling of the 2007 to the bottling of the 2005.