Newsletter
Hello Members,
Our landscape has changed in the past month and many of you have seen the changes. We now have the next generation on board as a part of our amazing team working the front lines.
We want to welcome Stephanie Morgan! She is the daughter of Jon Morgan, a founding partner with Paul and me 35 years ago. Many other changes have taken place since 1987, but this one is my personal favorite. Stephanie brings with her many talents; she worked with Inglenook Winery for four and a half years in Napa Valley in the hospitality arena. She is such a talented individual and brings a fresh attitude to our amazing team. I have tasted wines with her and for such a young lady, her palate is very developed. What I most admire about her is her ability to adapt her personality to the needs of the winery.
Stephanie and Simone are the 4th generation of wine enthusiasts to take positions in the wine industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Simone has been full-time in the area of production and sales for the past two years, and Stephanie is currently wearing many colorful hats, and more will be added as our company continues to thrive and be challenged by day-to-day operations.
Paul, Jon, and I are still embracing day-to-day challenges, but simply put, our bodies are slowing down. We are all active and continue to steer the ship forward, but with Simone and Stephanie on board, more and more responsibility will be given to them.
The month of August is very busy, most of our 2022 wines are being bottled this month. Paul and Simone have been busy with blending and filtrations, and Jon is focused on the Estate Vineyard – and it looks amazing!
Your Club release for August is our 2018 Merlot, produced from the Stagecoach Vineyard, Atlas Peak in Napa. This 100% Merlot was dry farmed, producing a mere two tons per acre. The small berries bring such a rich concentration of dark fruit flavors, along with silky, soft tannins. This non-irrigated vineyard has an elevation that sits at 1,700 ft above sea level. The soils are a mix of many types but are mainly composed of red volcanic and loam soils. It has a unique micro-climate, positioned out of the fog zone, so it is blessed by having a little more sun to ripen the fruit, which brings out more concentration of flavors.
We aged this wine in new French oak for 18 months. Enjoy this wine now and leave a bottle in your cellar for another two to three years to enjoy at your Sunday gatherings.
We thank you for your continued support, and it is truly a pleasure to serve you!
Sincerely,
Peter Bargetto, Partner