Crushpad http://posts.crushpadwine.com Wine Making @ Crushpad (http://www.crushpadwine.com) posterous.com Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:12:00 -0700 Mashup 2011- Napa Style! http://posts.crushpadwine.com/mashup-2011-napa-style http://posts.crushpadwine.com/mashup-2011-napa-style

Crushpad’s annual Mashup was Saturday, March 12th at the Silverado Resort in Napa. Despite gloomy forecasts, we woke to beautiful sunshine as clients descended upon the Napa Valley from locales near and far; including the Bay Area, New Jersey & Hong Kong.


Mashup takes place this time every year so clients can taste their barrel samples with Michael, Cindy, Kian, Adam and one another. It’s an opportunity to get a sneak peek into the wine’s development and discuss characteristics they would like to accentuate in their finished product. It’s a lot of fun, and very interesting, to taste the progress of the wine after just a few short months in barrel (and about 15 months for the ‘09 Bordeaux varietals). 


A new addition to this year’s Mashup was the magic green screen! Resident super-cinematic-guru, Daphne Feng conceptualized and executed a green screen film studio... this was seriously cool. We’re coming for you Pixar! She compiled a mash-up (pun entirely intended) for your enjoyment below. Daphne was booked all afternoon with groups creating their own commercials for their individual labels. She has been busy editing and will send these to the “talent” in the coming weeks. 


We were so excited to have so many of our extended Crushpad family in the valley at the same time and for that, we extend a big thanks to those that were able to make it.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Sat, 19 Mar 2011 08:32:30 -0700 Not Your Daddy's Caddy- Crushpad on CNN Money http://posts.crushpadwine.com/not-your-daddys-caddy-crushpad-on-cnn-money http://posts.crushpadwine.com/not-your-daddys-caddy-crushpad-on-cnn-money
The Business Unusual series on CNN Money highlighted Crushpad with a visit and interview with Michael Brill.

Series host, Chris Hardwick, is sponsored by Cadillac to travel across America with the ambition of uncovering stories and secrets of several visionary and successful entrepreneurs.

The two of them spent time talking wine in our cave, walking the vineyard and then head to downtown Napa in Chris’ smooth Caddy! 

Watch the short interview and read the article here http://cadillac.money.cnn.com/cnn/cbu/episode.jsp?pv=true&ep=2

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:27:00 -0700 Crushpad Attends World of Pinot http://posts.crushpadwine.com/crushpad-attends-world-of-pinot http://posts.crushpadwine.com/crushpad-attends-world-of-pinot

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March 4-6 our resident Pinot winemaker, Adam Smith, packed his car with bottles, t-shirts and sunglasses and headed to Shell Beach, CA to join 180 Pinot producers from around the globe. The 11th Annual World of Pinot Noir at the Cliffs Resort is one of Adam’s favorite events because it is much more than a tasting event. Tasting seminars and lectures, all of which are open to the public, cover all aspects of Pinot from changes in plantings/distribution of Pinot Noir, AVA’s vs. appellations, alcohol and balance along tours & tastings hosted by local wineries in the Central Coast region.

Adam attended the Oregon vs. California tasting which was not attempting to designate a winner, but to celebrate the vast differences between the two states in producing the same varietal, “It really is almost two separate varietals, from California and Oregon” says Adam, “the expression of tannins is totally different... it was a lot of fun”.

Treating himself to some super beautiful wines, Adam checked in on the Hirsch Vineyard Block by Block tasting. Hirsch Vineyard, Littorai and Failla each poured wines they produced from Hirsch Vineyard fruit (Fort Ross, Sonoma Coast). It was a rare opportunity to taste barrel samples, recent releases and library wines from the highly acclaimed vineyard.

Of course the event would not have been complete without the Grand Tasting. The Grand Tasting took place in the large tents (see photo) overlooking the coast. With that incredible backdrop, Adam poured a 2009 Calicaro, Split Rock Vineyard for Dave Ball. Under the table, Adam had a 2010 barrel sample he was sharing from Steve Doty’s vineyard in Santa Barbara. Steve’s vineyard is located steps from the beach, has a lot of sand in the soil, and was drawing remarks from the tasters reflecting that the wine really resembled an Oregon Pinot. It’s one of Adam’s favorites currently in barrel and he’s trying to talk Steve into planting a lot more than the 1.5 acres he has now! Because Crushpad is a unique concept, sometimes it takes a little more explanation for people to understand the experience and with Steve’s barrel sample of his self-grown fruit, people could actually taste what CP is all about! How cool is that?!?!

For more info on the World of Pinot Noir, or to get it on your calendar for 2012 check out:www.wopn.com

Crushpad_visits_world_of_pinot
Courtesy of Steve Ryan

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:47:46 -0700 CRUSHPAD ATTENDS WORLD OF PINOT NOIR - SHELL BEACH, CA http://posts.crushpadwine.com/crushpad-attends-world-of-pinot-noir-shell-be http://posts.crushpadwine.com/crushpad-attends-world-of-pinot-noir-shell-be

Wopnlogo
March 4-6 our resident Pinot winemaker, Adam Smith, packed his car with bottles, t-shirts and sunglasses and headed to Shell Beach, CA to join 180 Pinot producers from around the globe. The 11th Annual World of Pinot Noir at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach is one of Adam’s favorite events because it is much more than a tasting event. There are tasting seminars and lectures, all of which are open to the public, that cover all aspects of Pinot from changes in plantings/distribution of Pinot Noir, AVA’s vs. appellations, alcohol and balance and tours and tastings hosted by local wineries in the central coast region.

Adam attended the Oregon vs. California tasting which was not attempting to designate a winner, but to celebrate the vast differences between the two states in producing the same varietal, “It really is almost two separate varietals, from California and Oregon” says Adam, “the expression of tannins is totally different... it was a lot of fun”.

Treating himself to some super beautiful wines, Adam checked in on the Hirsch Vineyard Block by Block tasting. Hirsch Vineyard, Littorai and Failla each poured wines they produced from Hirsch Vineyard fruit (Fort Ross, Sonoma Coast). It was a rare opportunity to taste barrel samples, recent releases and library wines from the highly acclaimed vineyard.

Of course the event would not have been complete without the Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Grand tasting took place in the large tents (see photo) overlooking the coast. With that incredible backdrop, Adam poured a 2009 Calicaro, Split Rock Vineyard for Dave Ball. Under the table, Adam had a 2010 barrel sample he was sharing from Steve Doty’s vineyard in Santa Barbara... Steve’s vineyard is located steps from the beach, has a lot of sand in the soil, and was drawing remarks from the tasters reflecting that the wine really resembled an Oregon Pinot. It’s one of Adam’s current favorites in the barrel now and he’s trying to talk Steve into planting a lot more than the 1.5 acres he has now! Because Crushpad is a unique concept, sometimes it takes a little more explanation for people to understand what the experience is and with Steve’s barrel sample of his self-grown fruit people could actually taste what CP is all about! How cool is that?!?!

Crushpad_visits_world_of_pinot_2011

For more info on the World of Pinot Noir, or to get it on your calendar for 2012 check out: www.wopn.com

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdKTE8VVIC2X8 Steve Ryan Steve Steve Ryan Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:55:56 -0800 Crushpad takes Handsome Dan for Walk in Central Park http://posts.crushpadwine.com/crushpad-takes-handsome-dan-for-walk-in-centr http://posts.crushpadwine.com/crushpad-takes-handsome-dan-for-walk-in-centr
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Courtesy of Dave Bryant (aka "D2")

When you think of Yale a few things come to mind, the rich educational history, alumni that include five presidents, forty-five cabinet members, over five-hundred members of congress, and Handsome Dan, Yale’s bulldog mascot.

The fact that they own an entire building in the middle of New York City shouldn’t surprise you. The, “impressive 22-story neoclassical clubhouse and 11,000 members, The Yale Club of New York City is unquestionably the largest private club in the world.” So what would happen when select members of the Napa Valley Vintners invaded NYC and held an event at the club? Pandemonium! Well, not exactly…

Some were young recent graduates discovering wine for the first time, and others had expansive cellars that could pay my salary with a few bottles of first growth Bordeaux. One common theme, everyone loved wine and had a great time tasting some of Napa’s finest wineries. Crushpad showcased wines from commerce clients, vineyard designates, and even a barrel sample of 2009 Cabernet. We were met with open arms and plenty of interest in making their very own barrel of wine.

Who knows, maybe the next president (or member of congress who gets caught in an awkward photo) will be a winemaker with Crushpad.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:30:23 -0700 The Sounds of Science http://posts.crushpadwine.com/the-sounds-of-science http://posts.crushpadwine.com/the-sounds-of-science
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Every two weeks, samples are pulled for Lab Manager, Cindy Cosco, to analyze. Cindy checks each barrel sample for pH, TA, alcohol and sulfur dioxide levels.

It's important to maintain consistent SO2 levels throughout the life of a wine to prevent bacterial spoilage and oxidation. Although we use very low levels of sulfur dioxide (25 parts per million), without it, the wine would typically oxidize and/or be attacked by microbes and have difficulty aging more than a year or two.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800 City Slickers Shake Hands with Blooming Mustard http://posts.crushpadwine.com/city-slickers-shake-hands-with-blooming-musta http://posts.crushpadwine.com/city-slickers-shake-hands-with-blooming-musta

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Mustard is flowering at our new Silverado Trail location. The pastoral digs among the vines rejuvenates the soul. (Boots required). 

If you fret spiders and snakes, don't sweat, we've got mountains of stainless steel and plenty of big kid toys with which to play. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:48:21 -0700 Winemakers Second: Dry ice http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-dry-ice http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-dry-ice
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:45:51 -0700 Winemakers Second: The big fridge http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-the-big-fridge http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-the-big-fridge
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:49:58 -0700 Winemakers Second: Variable ripeness in mountain vineyards http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-variable-ripeness-in-mounta http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-variable-ripeness-in-mounta
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Sat, 03 Oct 2009 10:31:29 -0700 Untitled http://posts.crushpadwine.com/5049547 http://posts.crushpadwine.com/5049547
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:01:23 -0700 Kicking off Crushpad Bordeaux Harvest 2009 with the Lepmets from Estonia http://posts.crushpadwine.com/kicking-off-crushpad-bordeaux-harvest-2009-wi http://posts.crushpadwine.com/kicking-off-crushpad-bordeaux-harvest-2009-wi
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:57:06 -0700 Winemaker's Second - pressing chardonnay http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-pressing-chardonnay http://posts.crushpadwine.com/winemakers-second-pressing-chardonnay
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:06:00 -0700 Sorting the First Red Grapes of the 2009 Season http://posts.crushpadwine.com/3409937 http://posts.crushpadwine.com/3409937

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:22:00 -0700 Forget Snow Leopard OS, We've Got Snow Leopard Wine http://posts.crushpadwine.com/forget-snow-leopard-os-weve-got-snow-leopard http://posts.crushpadwine.com/forget-snow-leopard-os-weve-got-snow-leopard

Snow Leopards are fantastically cool.  And if you're reading the Crushpad blog we know you think wine is cool.  With all due respect to what I'm sure is a fabulous operating system from Apple, OSs are not that cool.  Now you can help save Snow Leopards and drink some smoking stuff with Snow Leopard The Wine, (actually called Long Tail)

The Snow Leopard Conservancy recently launched their own wine store through Crushpad's new Fusebox Fundraising program.  With the program, non-profits can easily create their own unique wines using materials that normally go into commercial bottles that sell for up to $75.  Organizations can participate in the program with zero up front investment, and virtually no risk or minimum commitments.  They choose from over 30 Fusebox blending components to create their own custom wine or select a wine that has been pre-blended by our winemaking team.  Organizations can either design their own label online with our easy-to-use online label designer or work with a Crushpad designer to create their packaging.  We build a storefront for the non-profit (like this one) and handle all of the sales, shipping and legalities.  All the organizations have to do is promote the wine to their constituents.  Participating groups can make anywhere between $2-$200 per bottle sold depending on the type of wine they create and abilities of their donors.

If you're interested raising some moolah for your cause contact Pamela Topper at pamela@crushpadwine.com


Snow_leopard_cub Double_trouble_snow_leopard_cu Snow-leopard2
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:11:39 -0700 Catie's Corner Vineyard Video http://posts.crushpadwine.com/caties-corner-vineyard-video http://posts.crushpadwine.com/caties-corner-vineyard-video

Some of the best Viognier in California comes from Catie's Corner Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.  Our clients have made some memorable ones over the years.  The Viogniers from Catie's Corner always seem to be extremely balanced, floral and real crowd pleasers.

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:23:58 -0700 Final Vayniac bottling http://posts.crushpadwine.com/final-vayniac-bottling http://posts.crushpadwine.com/final-vayniac-bottling
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:51:49 -0700 New vineyard profile video: Ink Grade Vineyard, Howell Mountain http://posts.crushpadwine.com/new-vineyard-profile-video-ink-grade-vineyard http://posts.crushpadwine.com/new-vineyard-profile-video-ink-grade-vineyard

On the eastern side of the the Vaca Mountain range sits the beautifully terraced Ink Grade Vineyard.  Mitchell Klug, Crushpad's Director of Vineyard Ops, takes some time to talk about the viticulture, soil and climate of this older, mountainous vineyard site.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:42:15 -0700 Aver Family Vineyards http://posts.crushpadwine.com/aver-family-vineyards http://posts.crushpadwine.com/aver-family-vineyards Most Crushpad customers get their fruit from our source vineyards – some of the best AVAs and sites in California and Bordeaux. Crushpad Commerce clients John and Carolyn Aver wanted to take advantage of the bounty from their own backyard, however, when establishing Aver Family Vineyards wines in 2006.

The Aver clan lives and grows grapes on their own organic and sustainably farmed estate in the Uvas Valley near Morgan Hill. Not only does Aver Family Vineyards make great wine, they’re also re-pioneering the forgotten Santa Clara Valley AVA. Their wines are picking up notice for their quality and distinctive character, as well as their unique pedigree.

Aver Family Vineyards is featured this month on Appellation America (you can read the article here, if you’re a subscriber). Better yet, try them for yourself here.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/59980/logo72dpiGray.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15WYmMInk77 wine making Crushpad wine making Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:51:00 -0700 Making Wine with Friends http://posts.crushpadwine.com/making-wine-with-friends http://posts.crushpadwine.com/making-wine-with-friends

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One of our favorite things about wine is how it brings people together. Whether sharing a bottle with friends or getting coworkers together to go in on a barrel here at Crushpad, people bond over wine. Which is why we’re excited to expand our Community Crush neighborhood winemaking program this year to ten different groups, including five brand new areas.

Community Crush is a pretty cool and easy way to meet your neighbors, learn a bit about winemaking, and come away with a great, unique wine in the end. 2008 was the inaugural year for Community Crush and we had lots of enthusiasm from our five starter neighborhoods: the Mission, Marina, our own backyard – Potrero Hill, SOMA, and a general SF Super Group. This year, we’re venturing out even further, adding groups in the Castro, Haight, Russian & Nob Hills, the East Bay (gotta give some love to the sunny side of the Bay), and even all the way out in Chicago. Yes, Chicago is a new Bay Area neighborhood, didn’t you know? What can we say? What the fans want, the fans get.

It’s a simple buy-in (only $26/bottle, between 1 – 12 bottles) with big rewards. Community Crush members participate in all sorts of fun stuff – from a kickoff party, to winemaking Crush Camps, a barrel sample party, custom neighborhood labels, and a bottling party when the wine’s ready. Not to mention bragging rights of having made a great wine and some friends along the way.

If you want to learn more about Community Crush or to sign up, click here: http://www.crushnet.com/communitycrush.  We’d love to see you and your neighbors in the winery.

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