Well, we’re finally starting to see what all the old vine fuss is about here in Oakley and environs. The green grape clusters are starting to undergo what’s known as “veraison,” that period at the very beginning of grape ripening.
The tight clusters are starting to soften up and they start taking on all the colors of their particular grape type. And since most of the century-plus-year-old vines around the ‘hood are red/black varieties, we’re starting to see a lot of beautiful rich colors that bode well for Harvest 2010.
Check out the photo op that Kathy captured from one of the many sandy old-vine vineyards close to our house. Truly, the wine universe is unfolding as it should.
Oh, I keep forgetting to tell you about some street names here in Oakley. Even though the city seems content to sit tight on tons of untapped wine tourism potential, it’s not shy about giving a shout-out to the trade in general when it comes to municipal street nomenclature. Sherry Circle, Sauterne Way, Bordeaux Drive; even giving props to pioneers (Mondavi Court) and wineries (Korbel Court): some of it is just too much. Our local weekly paper, The Oakley Press, publishes a police blotter. A while back, it was reported that two suspects were arrested: one on Pinot Court; another on Merlot Lane. For DUIs.
Just a quick drive from Pinot Court to Superior Court.
Hey, Kath and I posted a few months ago about Ledson, that Versailles-like tourist trap-slash-winery up in Sonoma. They’re the ones that use some CoCo fruit, but were super-cagey about what vineyard sites they used. Well, we tasted the Ledson 2007 Contra Costa County Mourvèdre (unfortunately spelled “Mouvedre” on the front label). Luckily, the winemaking far surpasses the proofreading; it’s a gorgeous pour. Deep, dark plummy color; with hints of plum galette — almond paste, brown sugar — on the nose. I even detected cracked pepper and a bit of smoke. Nice and round in the mouth, with a really long finish.
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