The 2016 Grape Harvest is Here!

As the 2016 grape harvest approaches, I find it hard to believe that this will be the third harvest for the J. Cage Cellars Wine-Stained Dream. It seems like just last week Donna and I were giddy at lunch in Healdsburg over the fact that on our 34^th wedding anniversary we had just contracted for our first ton of 2014 Pinot Noir grapes. My, how time flies when you are having fun. In 2016, we will harvest over 9 tons for 7 different wines. On the red side, in addition to two single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, 2016 will be inaugural vintage of Zinfandel and Sangiovese.

So far the 2016 growing season has been nearly perfect. It all started with plenty of winter rain that was so badly needed. Flowering and fruit set went fairly smoothly. While the yields of 2016 will not be as big as the banner years of 2012-2014, they are significantly up from the low yields we saw just last year. The summer has been perfect for high quality grapes. The recent cool weather has slowed ripening to a crawl so the flavors in the grapes can intensify.

Patience is the key now. The scariest decision the winemaker makes each year is when to pick the grapes. Once the grapes are harvested and in the winery there is little we do to influence the outcome of the wine, unlike large recipe wineries. These cool days and slow maturation will allow Conch and me to pull the pick trigger at just the right time. Daily we are in our vineyards tasting and testing. We expect our Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay will be in the winery by week’s end, but that’s up to Mother Nature. I really can’t express how excited we are about the wines we will craft for you this year.

Exciting Partnerships

Wine Spectator Magazine recently published an article 13 World-Class Restaurants in Napa and Sonoma Wine Country. We are proud to say that J. Cage wines are featured at 2 of these amazing dining experiences, Valette in Healdsburg and Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro in Yountville.

Pinot Noir – 24 Cases Left – Get Yours!

As the summer heat subsides, we will begin shipping again around the country. Our award winning Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are still available for your end of summer pleasure. If you love our 2014 Nunes Vineyard Pinot Noir…There are only 24 cases left, so order now.

If you have any questions, Donna and I are always available to assist, so please reach out to us by phone or email.

It’s time to head back to the vineyard and taste more grapes…

Roger, Donna, Conch and Whitney Beery
J. Cage Cellars