October 1, 2015
Greetings from a very Happy Harvest to our Storytellers!
Quality over Quantity = Harvest 2015
This harvest has been a bit complicated due to the shatter caused from a May rainstorm which stunted grape development. However, we've been very diligent in the vineyards working with our growers (all year long) and making correct calls on harvest dates. With Katy & Ross's guidance, we must applaud our growers who thinned under ripe portions despite the low crop this year. The end result on the sorting table has been outstanding!
Harvest 2015 started early then prolonged by atypical weather patterns. But the grapes have arrived with stunning concentration and verve. We've been impressed with the purity of the grapes and near perfect flavors. The only real challenge of this vintage has been the low yields. Our last day of harvesting grapes was Tuesday, we picked our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc - our last few tons of harvest fruit.
Fall Wine Club Shipments:
The inaugural release of our 2014 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and 2014 Helluva Vineyard Pinot Noir will begin shipping October 5. Over the next few days, we are reaching out to each of you individually to confirm your club shipment total amount before your credit card is processed.
Improved Shipping Fees:
Please review your Storyteller Club Level - we reduced shipping fees for each level! We appreciate your loyal support and never want shipping costs to discourage your excitement for Smith Story Wine. Please send us any and all feedback regarding the delivery of your wine. We take the weather very seriously and will never ship when it's too hot or too cold.
The Wine: In case you missed the last email from us, the Fall offering is a particularly special part of Our Story, which began in the Anderson Valley over a decade ago. It was there in the Anderson Valley, walking the vineyards with our dogs by our side that we quietly envisioned a lifetime together. It is a surreal feeling that we have now made wine from this magical appellation. Under a Full Harvest Moon last fall, we picked just under 2 tons of grapes in order to produce 100 cases of our2014 Helluva Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and it's beautiful!
Our new Chardonnay in two words: Classy & Elegant! We also made just over 200 beautiful cases of our 2014 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. This is from a small vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Its medium-bodied texture is layered with honeyed notes which lift the flavors of tropical fruit and Meyer lemon. The barrel (neutral French oak) fermentation lends to a mid-palate creaminess that finishes fresh and clean. We recently learned the that the owner of this vineyard is from Hawaii, so we love this part of the Story even more! Since Harvest 2014, we've been very focused in the cellar with these two wines for this special Fall 2015 release to our Storytellers and Mailing Lists fans.
Our First Smith Story Wine Cellars Supper Club is On!
Please join us in Austin, Texas at the beloved Josephine House in the Clarksville district. We are in the midst of planning a very memorable evening of great wines, food and storytelling of course! Proud to be working with Master Sommelier June Rodil on a fantastic wine pairing menu - which will be served family style to keep the vibe comfy.
The Storytellers have an exclusive invitation to this evening, we are limiting the seating to 24 unless a riot ensues then we'll take over the garden patio too. Please review RSVP Deadline and Details here. Now you can see our calendar of events throughout the nation under Happenings. on our website.
Shipping Notes:
- We strongly recommend shipping to a business address as this helps avoid possible delays in delivery of your wine
- We will begin shipping October 5, 2015, weather permitting
- For locals, wines will be available for pickup, exact day TBD based on 2015 Harvest happenings (Tacos will be served!).
- If we determine it is too hot along the delivery route to ship safely, we will place your order on "weather hold," notify you, and keep your wines in our temperature controlled warehouse until we see it is safe to ship.
- You will be notified by email when your order ships or if it is placed on weather hold
Should you have any questions or need assistance ordering please don't hesitate to email ericandali@smithstorywines.com, please leave us your phone number if you prefer a call back.
With Love & Kindness,
- Eric and Ali Story
Founders
Drink What You Love. Love What You Drink. This is Our Story.