Here comes the Old Vine Teldeschi Zin...

On Wednesday, I got a call from one of favorite growers, Ray Teldeschi (photo - album). He said the old vine zin is ready. He's a character- kinda like Johnny Cash meets Johnny Carson; classic, old school, yet timeless. Every time I call him he is full of one liners and he cracks me up. In fact, he's got the coolest 1950's GMC trucks I've seen. two weeks ago during the cold spell I called him and he answered, "I'm wrapped in a blanket and drinking soup. I think I might have to make a fire". His hands are that of a true farmer. He can walk through the vineyard and tell you everything about each vine. His father, Mike Teldeschi (photo - interview), is over 90 years old, had a little dog named Baby, and in his words is "from the old country".

Ray said Mike Officer from Carlisle walked his old vine block adjacent to mine. Mike decided to pick on Friday. Just last year, we picked a day later.

On Friday night, Kiara and I drove a big a** truck up to the vineyard. Ray told us we could sleep in the apartment above the barn (photo). When we got there around 10 pm and saw the infinite amount of stars, we decided to crack a bottle of 2003 Herman Story Syrah Larner Vineyard. We slept on the bed of the truck, under the stars.

Around 6:00, the sounds of pickup trucks awoke us. Ray had arrived and the picking crew shortly followed. The vineyard manager drove (photo) a tractor out to our block. I'm honored to get fruit from the 120 year old block. Head pruned vines look like Medusa's head. The crew feverishly picked about 1.25 tons of 120 year old vines. They were done around 7:30. After strapping down the truck, chatting with Ray's wife, Lori, they gifted us a box of fresh vegetables. One thing I love about growers is that you don't go home empty handed- Ray provides garden tomatoes, basil, and figs, Kirk Williams from Fairview Road Ranch gives me lemons and avocados, while Casey from Eaglepoint gives me meat (photo), his latest Coro wine, and Eaglepoint Grenache.

Around noon, we arrived at the winery with our beautiful fruit (photo). Our volunteer crew was ready to help. We set up the crusher/destemmer (photo) with the only the destemmer attached. This allows for whole berries to pass through. Just like in the year's past, I was delighted with the fruit quality. In fact everyone was delighted (photo).