The 2024 Vintage: A Surprising Combo of Ripeness & Acidity

by Bettina Schiel | Nov 1, 2024 | About Cabernet

Overall, 2024 was a very warm growing season that resulted in excellent ripeness and also, surprisingly, excellent acidity. Leading up to the growing season, we had lots of rain in January and February, which filled the soil profile nicely.  What does this mean? In...

Understanding Sulfites in Wine: A Necessity for Quality and Longevity

by Bettina Schiel | Oct 22, 2024 | Odds & Ends

As fans of fine wine, you’ve likely heard that wine contains sulfites. You’ve probably also heard sulfites and sulfates used interchangeably. From this day forward, help me spread the word that they are nothing alike. Let’s start by defining each of these sulphur...

Riesling and The Cold War

by Bettina Schiel | Mar 11, 2024 | Odds & Ends

On Tuesday, March 12, Netflix will premiere a docu-series called, Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War. On Wednesday, March 13, the world will celebrate International Riesling Day. How are these two events related? Two words: Peter Sichel. Peter Sichel is my...

Re-visiting Laurel Glen Cabernet Vintages Back to 2010

by Bettina Schiel | Jan 18, 2024 | About Cabernet

Since my team and I took over the stewardship of Laurel Glen Vineyard in March 2011, we have released 11 vintages of Laurel Glen Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. March 2024 will be the 12th release under the winemaking direction of Randall Watkins. It is time to...

When Next in Wine Country, Don’t Miss Glen Ellen!

by Bettina Schiel | Jun 2, 2023 | Odds & Ends

Sonoma Valley: A Beautiful Destination Stretching 17 miles through rolling vineyards, lush forests, and stunning mountaintop vistas, Sonoma Valley will win you over with its breathtaking beauty, small-town charm, and warm hospitality. Just 45 miles north of San...