Top of the morning

This morning I went down to the cellar to top our 2008 Pinot Noir. They are trudging through malolactic fermentation at this time. The cold weather is slowing this process down a little but we are almost there. Topping is extremely important and with our strict barrel regime I check the barrels for topping every week. The amount of topping we do changes dramatically depending on weather, humidity and wine loss through evaporation. Topping ensures that we inhibit oxidation in the wine.
I am especially looking forward to getting the rest of the lots of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah racked and barreled so I can evaluate their progress. The 08 Zinfandel this year I feel is one of the best wines that I have made thus far. It is one of the most complete and balanced wines with virtually no drawbacks.
The Petite Sirah is looking good as well, as will be racking it for the last time this week before we start to barrel age it for the next 12-16 months. During those months I will be sampling the wines to track their progress. I am looking for them to start forming structure and balance. You can be sure I will be monitoring them carefully!