The plan for 11th Street 2012 reds takes shape

We're targeting Washington State Merlot and Cab. Franc, to be purchased from M&M in Hartford, Saturday October 20.  Grape selection may shift with availability.  Sister Karen & Nephew Jake will bring the groups down and work with us.  We'll likely ferment the varietals separately and then bench-blend.  That will be a first for us.  In past years we've fermented the grapes all together in proportions that mimic commercial bottles we've liked.

Meanwhile these past few days say Autumn.  Cellar temp is down to 65 or so.  Muscat is sending up a bubble every minute or so.  Dead yeast and lees are drifting but not so much yet that you can really see into the wine.  It would be good to rack the wine off of these gross lees on Saturday.

• October 13 -  Likely date to move the Muscat off its gross lees
• October 20 -  Likely red wine day 1
• October 28 -  Likely red wine pressing
• November 10 -  Likely Muscat 1st racking and possible fining