Hello Friends and Family and Happy New Year,

 

In the vineyard business the holidays are a time for

rest and reflection.  Harvest is over, the juice is in the

barrel and the vines are asleep. You finally have a

moment to look back and to plan ahead.  2018 was

another good year in the vineyard as well as with our

Cadden Family Vineyards single vineyard wines.

 

The 2018 harvest was best forecast at the outset in

mid-August by a fellow grower when he said,  

“perfect weather, ideal development, great flavors and everything is looking outstanding.” The harvest was big throughout the Valley thanks to 2017 rainfall, mild spring weather and steady and warm temperatures from June to early August without heat spikes.  An overall cooler season.

 

We started on September 14, a little later than last year, and we were all in by September 25.  It was a pretty hectic eleven days but we got it done. As usual the Malbec was up first. We started on September 13 and completed the Malbec as well as the Cabernet Sauvignon on September 14.  We brought in the Cabernet Franc on September 25.

 

Kudos to Alejandro and Tom on a fine job and year!  We are also happy to report that our family harvest crew has been expanded by one.  Atlee, our baby granddaughter, was seen riding on the harvest tractor overseeing the bins to make sure that there were no leaves!

 

We are very happy to report that Toybox Wine Cellars’ 2015 Malbec Cadden Family Vineyards Single Vineyard garnered 90 points with Wine Enthusiast.  It is delicious! Our Cadden Family Vineyards single vineyard designate relationship with Toybox is now in its third year and includes our cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec varieties as well as the new release Toybox Field Trip blend.  https://toyboxwines.com/store/

 

As we move into 2019 we are making some changes in the vineyard.  Tom and Alejandro have decided to replant our acre of sauvignon blanc with malbec which is turning out to be a signature varietal for us.  Depending on vineyard and weather conditions they hope to get the replanting done in late April.

 

On behalf of Cadden Family Vineyards and our family, thanks for your interest.

 

Hugh and Tom Cadden