Hello my fellow oenophiles,

We are gearing up for another great year at Tertulia Cellars. With winter finally past us we are occasionally looking towards that bright orb in the sky. Growing up on the wet side of the state, I sometimes forget how much nicer the weather is in Walla Walla. This past week and a half has brought more sunlight and warmer temperatures. Everyone has been whispering about when we will have bud break in the vineyards. We are already out there in full force getting ready for the 2009 vintage. Our Whistling Hills Estate Vineyard has been pruned, and we are expecting our first crop this year. Planting of our vineyard on the rocks should be well underway by the first of April. A special thanks to Ryan Driver our Vineyard Manager for accomplishing so much over the winter and early spring.

We have been hopping along in the winery as well. In late January we bottled our third vintage of Les Collines Syrah. Last week we bottled the Lonesome Spring Ranch Viognier and our 2008 Rosé Du Mourvèdre. In an ongoing effort, we have managed to keep our Viognier and Rose low in alcohol with nice, crisp acidity. I can honestly say this is our best vintage of Viognier, I know I said that last year, but the wines keep getting better. In late spring we plan on bottling the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sobra, and Carmenère. These wines will all have seen 18-19 months in French oak barrels. I am very pleased with the concentration and balance of the 2007 vintage. I can't wait to share some of these wines with you.

The 2006 vintage continues to develop in bottle. So far the Cabernet Sauvignon, Sobra and Malbec are the ones I look at as a long term investment. These wines will grow and mature over the next 10 years. The Pepper Bridge Merlot, Les Collines Syrah, and Les Collines Tempranillo are tasting great now and will age well for the next 3-5 years.

We have some exciting events lined up for this spring, and we hope to see you all there. See below for a list of upcoming events!

Cheers,
Ryan Raber
Tertulia Cellars
Winemaker