May 25 2008

The free SO2, when Janice tested it a few weeks ago, had diminished to 8ppm. Today, I will boost the levels back up to 30ppm. I know I should have done this weeks ago!
Using the 72 gal amount, and the formula listed in the earlier post, I ground 11 camden tablets finely. I will dissolve them in boiling water, then top off the barrel with a grenache/syrah bottle of wine. Maybe with the holiday, we will rack early tomorrow. I was listening to the Cellar Dwellers podcast and it recommends racking every 3-5 weeks. I will try this this year, since it is one of the improvements I noted would be needed to improve our 2005 vintage. I wish I would have racked that one a few more times. But live and learn.
…Note to self: I topped off with 750ml Rosemount Grenache/Shiraz and 200ml (approx) Brassfield 2004 Cab Sauv. yum!
Weather: After the long frosts, we had a heat wave, 100+ for days and our vineyards and gardens just exploded with growth! This weekend, the skies have been cloudy and the temps in the 60′s, our typical spring weather. The cement room temp is steady at 60.