Checking In On My Babies

Last night, Kiara and I went to the winery to check all of my wines. Since most of my wines have been in a barrel for less than two weeks, they need attention like little babies. I carefully check if they have completed malolactic fermentation, how they are reacting to the barrels, and how the flavors are evolving. First I take a barrel sample using a "thief" and pour it into a glass. Then I swirl, smell, taste, and take notes.

Here are my general observations:

• For being only a few weeks old, flavors and aromas are extremely evolved. Pinot is notorious for going through a funky stage, similar to a toddler learning how to walk. However, as Kiara reaffirmed, the Dutton Pinot is "surprisingly mature and evolved". The York Syrah has barrel fermentation aromas with a strong chocolate espresso bean nose.
• All barrels except for 2 barrels of Pinot seem ML complete.
• Wines are clear with good color.

I topped all the barrels except the two barrels going through ML. They are still pushing off C02 so they need some headspace (space between the wine and the top of the barrel).