As most of you know, I’m not allowed in the tasting room. It’s the tail — something about the tail. I see people, I get happy and the tail just goes. Or at least, that’s my best guess. My human, Paul, isn’t too clear on his reasons for not letting me out there, though I suspect he just doesn’t want to share. Humans can be very funny and mine requires lots of constant supervision. I don’t like to let Paul out of my sight. You never know what kind of trouble he’ll get into, so it’s good I’m there.

Paul and I make the wines. Paul and his team take most of the credit, of course, but humans do that all the time. I’m used to it. This year’s harvest has been great! From a dog’s eye view I can tell you, our grapes have been beautiful to watch. Weird weather makes Paul all itchy and nervous, especially during the summer rainstorms we had. But the grapes loved it and mud is after all, nothing to complain about! Anyway, the early rains meant extra work for all the humans as the grapes get a growth spurt. So Cam, Greg, Uncle Don, John and Jose all got to hang out with Paul and me way more than they wanted this year! More leaves meant more effort to keep things thinned out, so it was a challenge to stay on top of things. It’s longer hours in the field but Paul secretly loves it out there as much as I do … though he doesn’t seem to want to run through the vines, try as I might to encourage him!

And all that work has really paid off! This was some of the best fruit we’ve seen here at Madroña Vineyards. The color of the grapes this year was amazing, even and luscious. (Color-blind, my ears!) That evenness in color is a big hint that you’re in for a treat. The superb color was matched by an incredible balance in acidity. Paul told me they were a winemaker’s dream come true. As a winemaker, I naturally agreed though my dreams would also feature obese, slow-moving squirrels.

If you’re a fan of Bordeaux varietals, then get ready to bark for joy! The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and all the Bordeaux grapes are fantastic. I’m not supposed to say, but if you’re a Quintet fan, make room for a keeper! And don’t get a guy started on next year’s port … oh, boy! Incidentally, dogs prefer blue cheese with port.

Running through the vineyards, you might think I miss a lot of the finer points, but you’d be wrong! Trust me. Those grape bunches are right at the tip of my nose! And a dog’s nose is way, way more sensitive than their human’s, as all canines know. So when it comes to wines, Paul has to rely on his own limited abilities and a bunch of silly looking equipment. Again, it’s best to let your human do their thing. I have to admit though, that he can actually hold and swirl a glass.

So, we’re picking for another week or so and I just wanted to give everyone the word that I’m on the job! I also wanted to thank everyone for coming to visit us at Madroña Vineyards and for enjoying our wines. I hope to see you at our Christmas in the Cellar party on December 3rd, and of course, anytime you come by, be sure to say hello! Feel free to use any of the picnic benches, but my humans say not to feed me — go figure!

And one last thing. That cat. His name is Theo and no matter what he tells you, he is not in charge. I am. After all, what is catching a few gophers compared to everything I do?