IT'S COLDER THAN NORMAL ... NO, IT'S HOTTER THAN NORMAL...

OK, enough of the heat!! As we reported back in July, we were very fortunate to have warm days and cool nights compared to the cooler climate in Sonoma and the southern regions of Napa. Soon after that we hit triple digits for almost two weeks. Some areas of the Chardonnay blocks had been de-leafed to open up the fruit and experienced some burning in rows that ran North and South. It is all part of trying to manage the vineyards when you don't know if it will be hot or cold. Overall the fruit looks very good even though we are about two weeks behind picking compared to a normal year. Veraison started around the end of August and begins a period of about 45 days until the fruit is ready to be picked. Veraison is the point in the growing season when ripening grapes begin to soften and change color from green to either red or yellow in the case of Chardonnay. As long as we do not get significant rain the next few weeks, we should be picking the middle of October. The picture above shows the Merlot grapes just beginning to turn red.

The Family said many prayers the last few weeks as we looked for a buyer for the Chardonnay grapes that are not picked for our own label. We feel very fortunate that The Wine Group purchased our fruit and one of the best looking crops in years will not go to waste. Many growers do not have buyers as the industry is still suffering with this tough economy.

The 2007 Chardonnay is down to the last few cases with the 2008 Chardonnay now being delivered to restaurants. As nice as we thought the 2007 was, the 2008 is getting very good reviews and we are pleased how it turned out. Both the 2009 Chardonnay and 2008 Merlot were bottled last month are are now in storage resting and maturing for release next year.

THE CAT & THE CUSTARD CUP ...

A recent Chardonnay tasting at The Cat & The Custard Cup

The Cat & The Custard Cup is not a new restaurant for Kimmel Vineyards but is a special place in La Habra in Southern California. Creed and Terrilynn Salisbury are wonderful hosts and the food that Creed creates is second to none. Adjoining the restaurant is their wine shop called "A Good Year Wine Shop" where wines offered in the restaurant can be purchased to take home. The shop offers tastings for different varietals every few weeks and at a recent Chardonnay tasting Terrilynn reported that our 2007 Chardonnay was a favorite. As you can see in the photo, we were up against some very nice wines.

If you are lucky enough to be in the area, treat yourself to great evening with great food and wine. The Red Braised Pork Belly dish is not to be missed.

USD WINE CLASSIC RECAP...

Attendees of The Art of The Blend at the USC Wine Classic, San Diego

The USD Wine Classic turned out to be another successful fundraiser for the University in just their second year. They had a full turnout of 600 guests enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather, wine and food. Bruce Regalia's "The Art of the Blend" was attended by almost 50 people who had the chance to taste our barrel samples of the 2009 Chardonnay and see how the components of a single vineyard wine contribute to the final blend. Attendees tasted wine from a stainless barrel, wine from used oak barrels, wine from new oak and some that had undergone malo-lactic fermentation. Then each participant got to taste Bruce's final blend and then create their own. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the experience and better understand the winemaker's craft.

In addition to participating in a great fundraiser for scholarships, it is an added bonus to see old Friends like Scott and Sunnie Manley. For the second year they were the successful bidders on our auction item leaving with the 1.5 Liter etched bottle of 2007 Merlot. Also stopping by to say hello were Bob and Cindi Moeller, Rhonda DiPadona, and Warren Kane. Just great fun in the sun.

MORE EVENTS FOR A GOOD CAUSE...

Jim and Debby have continued to represent Kimmel Vineyards in Food & Wine events around Southern California this summer, including at the 2010 California Spirit XXVI Gourmet Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society and the 28th American Wine and Food Festival held in the back-lot at Universal Studios in LA. The heat was on at this most recent event with temps lingering at the 100 degree mark until the sun went down and chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Charlie Palmer, Thomas Keller, and Paul Prudhomme cooking up special dishes in spite of the heat. Jason drove up from San Diego to help as Kimmel Vineyards was one of over 80 wineries pouring for the attendees as they walked the cobblestone streets of Universal's back lot. The event supports the Meals on Wheels Programs in LA.

Next up for Kimmel Vineyards will be the Malibu Food and Wine Festival on December 5. Join us at the Malibu Bluffs to sample exceptional dishes, superb wines, enjoy live music, dazzling ocean views and holiday cheer, all in support of St. Jude Children's Hospital and The Blue Project of Malibu.

More information is available at www.malibufoodwinefestival.com

...AND THE AWARD FOR "MILES MOST DRIVEN"
GOES TO ...

With the warm weather coming to an end, we will be able to start shipping again very soon. Gregg Bertram in Washington did not want to wait and combined a visit to Santa Rosa in order to pick up some cases of Merlot and Chardonnay. Local delivery is always available if you are close to Gary or Jim. You don't have to drive 800 miles but we love Friends that are willing to do so. Remember to enter your "Friend" code in the voucher section of the order form. We are still offering a 20% discount. If you place your order now, Gary can get the wine packed and ready to ship as soon as the weather cools down.