Halloween at the Estate & Our Grandchildren at Home

Halloween at the Estate with our team and Halloween in Pennsylvania with our Grandchildren.

Back to Mugello, Italy - October 2007

This is the last of the pictures from the Ferrari World Finals at Mugello, Italy. The event was enhanced by the addition of long time friends, Tom and Lisa Kincheloe. Tom was Vice President of National Sales for Chateau Julien for 16 years before his retirement from us. They (Tom and Lisa) are valued friends never to be forgotten. Thanks to Tony Nobles for his hospitality and taking good care of all of us in Tuscany.

The Vine Chronicles - Week 34 (November 2, 2007)

Today was harvest day at the Chateau! All the Sangiovese was harvested for Rosato and for Estate Sangiovese. Average brix was about 22 and the final acidity and ph will be forthcoming from the lab later today. These were the last grapes for the season and 2007 harvest is officially complete for Chateau Julien Wine Estate.

Italy - Mugello Circuit for Ferrari World Finals 2007

Off to the Ferrari World Finals in Mugello Circuit, Italy. From October 25th through the 28th, Ferrari raced the Ferrari Challenge, Shell Historic Challenge, F-1 Cliente and FXX.

Monterey County AIDS Project recognizes 17 years of Chateau Julien Support

Sunday night, October 21st, Chateau Julien Wine Estate was recognized for 17 years of support to the organization. The event was held at the Pebble Beach Tennis Club and was an incredible success.

The Vine Chronicles - Week 32 (October 22, 2007)

As of today our estate vineyard Sangiovese is:
West section 20.8
House section 20.4
East section 19.6

This is about a 0.8 brix change since last week. I would like to make arrangements to pick in on 10/31 or 11/1. This is when we picked it last year. We are getting some raisining which might bump the brix in the tank. There is some yellowing of the canopy now as well as more bird damage.

Sincerely,

Marta Kraftzeck
Viticulturist & Winemaker
Chateau Julien Wine Estate

This weeks trip to Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK

I spent the last week in Alaska with our distributor - Alaska Distributors (established in 1933). From Anchorage to Fairbanks the introduction went well. This is one big State with plenty of opportunity. Thanks to those folks at Alaska Distributing for their distribution efforts.

The Vine Chronicles - Week 30 (October 14, 2007)

Just an update:
West section 17.6
House section 17.6
East section 19.6

If it continues at this rate we could pick the west and house sections for Rosato and maybe the east for red, posssibly on the same day. Remember these are 2 different clones, different rootstocks and the east side is warmer, due to the sandier/rockier soil.

I spoke to Larry Bettiga. He said that the cluster count varies drastically between varieties, clones and farming techniques.
In general though, Napa Cabernet that is getting about $2000/ton would have a crop load of about 10-15 clusters/vine, usually achieved through extensive thinning. This is 1-1.5 clusters/shoot or spur. Most growers in Monterey receiving about $900/ton for Cabernet would probably be farming at aproximately 5 tons/acre in order for it to be financially feasible to farm.

Bob Brower for Water Board is in Full Swing

This week was sign installation week. We put up xx's (number is secret) signs in the community to demonstrate support for my candidacy. Only 4+ more weeks to election. Wish me luck!

Happy Anniversary to Tony and Barbara

Happy Anniversary to Anthony and Barbara Gogliucci. Anthony is our long time Treasurer and a great husband to Barbara. This is their 59th anniversary! Second photo was a nice shot of Palms and the Las Vegas atmosphere.