HARVEST WRAP-UP, 11.19.09

Things are pretty quiet around the Ranch this time of the year. As the Holidays approach, the vines are now resting until spring. Their last leaves have turned red and yellow. The turkeys walk the rows wondering where all those delicious grapes have gone.

We ended up hand-selecting and picking about eight and a half tons of Chardonnay this year. A little more than in 2007 and 2008. It will produce around 475 cases of 2009 Chardonnay to be released in late Spring 2011. That is when we also plan to release our first Sauvignon Blanc. As planned, 5 tons of Merlot were picked and the fruit was wonderful.

Some of you may know that the rains came earlier this year and many vineyards in Northern California were unable to pick their red grapes. With the sugar levels down as a result of the rain, and what we considered low quality fruit, we decided to abandon picking the Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varietals this year. The yield was low since it was the first crop after grafting early last year, so maybe it is just as well the vines get another year before we pick our first vintage of Cabernet. Next year should provide us with enough fruit for several hundred cases of our Cabernet Sauvignon for release in 2013.

DINING OUT WITH KIMMEL VINEYARDS

Cuistot in Palm Desert is one of those special places that feels like home. Located just off HWY 111 and El Paseo, the restaurant was opened by Chef Bernard in 1987. The restaurant serves traditional French faire with some California influence.

Sommelier Fred Gerber is available most nights for wine recommendations and has made our 2007 Chardonnay one of the restaurant's favorites. There are FRIENDS and then there are people like Fred.

If you are on vacation or business in the lower desert area, treat yourself to a special evening at CUISTOT. Fred also tells us that the restaurant will have its new web site up in time for Thanksgiving. Watch for it in the coming weeks.

For a slightly more casual local restaurant, TAPS Brew Pub in Corona is now serving the 2007 Chardonnay as a featured wine. In addition to our availability by the bottle, TAPS serves us by the glass. The restaurant is ideally located on a small lake featuring a pavilion with live entertainment throughout the year.

TAPS is known for its beer, but holds wine dinners, private parties and a very active calendar of special events. We are thrilled at having been selected as a featured wine and the chance to make many new Friends. Be sure to check it out the next time you are in the Corona area.
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