Winter Wonderland

In case anyone has or hasn't noticed, Southern Oregon has certainly gotten its fair share of fluffy white stuff this winter. I've only lived in Oregon since 2002, but this is without doubt the whitest winter I've endured. Snowy peaks and mountain passes have made travel somewhat sketchy. Fortunately, the temperatures have not been too cold, so the ice issue has remained at least somewhat absent.
Snow and cold notwithstanding, things continue to move along outside and inside. The crews are busy in the vineyard pruning the vines in preparation for the coming season. This activity is the first time the vines are touched during the year and paramount to creating balanced vines and thus balanced wines. The task requires organization of immense amounts of data collected from previous vintages to build a format for the job as well as detailed logistical planning and constant supervision in the field. It's time consuming for certain, but the proof is in the pudding.
Winter in the winery is dominated by tasting. Barrel after barrel after barrel of tasting. Lot after lot after lot of tasting. Oh, the pain, the agony!! What a way to spend a day!! This is one of the most enjoyable activities, but requires the greatest amount of discipline. After all, it's TASTING, not drinking, and I've heard too many horror stories about winemakers who do more of the latter and less of the former. I appreciate headlines, but not in the legal section. Anyway, bottling is pushing its way to the front of the line in the winery and we'll start with the 2007 whites and Rosado then move on to the 2006 reds. I can't wait!!