Fermentation, Picking, and Sleep

Picking Sunday and yesterday went very well. Four of us on each day took our time searching for only the ripest fruit and the results have been great. The sugars are strong, the color is deep and the flavors beautiful.

The pace has allowed for good nights sleep so far, but the middle of the night punch downs start today.

We'll pick again tomorrow and Saturday (and enjoying a taco party with my folks in town) and take a break allowing the fruit to continue down the path of ripening fully. I'll use this time to catch-up on the winemaking, and press the Carignane just before picking again next weekend (out of towner sleep-over weekend).

I'm really slammed for space this year with extra barrels, and bins filling with must - I've had to kick out tables, bottles and anything else that took floor space.