Currently in the winery, I am working on blending our 2002 Pinot Gris. Our Pinot Gris is grown at 3 different vineyard sites, and all the wine is kept seperate by site as well as block within the site. The blending process is alot of fun; each site contributes subtle differences in flavor and aroma. The 2002 Pinot Gris Reserve that I am working on is to be bottled in the end of May. Look for this wine to be released late summer. Also on the Pinot Gris note, we will be releasing our 2001 Old Vines Reserve Pinot Gris on Memorial day. This wine is very unique with its mineral flavors and crisp, bright fruit character. Only 140 cases were made, coming from Cooper Mountains' oldest planting of Pinot Gris in 1978.

Memorial day is also the debut of our first 100% Organic Pinot Noir. There are no sulfites added to this wine. It is from the 2002 vintage, aged for only a few months and bottled in April 2003. It is very fruity, and was crafted to drink young. Come out soon and give it a try and let me know what you think. Please feel free to ask me any questions about the wine making process, whats new in our vineyards, or anything else. Bye for now, Melissa

What is the difference between the Old Vines Pinot Gris and the Reserve? What's special about it?

Well Bill,
The Old Vines Pinot Gris comes entirely from our oldest planting of Pinot Gris located at our Grabhorn road vineyard. The grapes from this block are well established, with roots that are tapped deep into the soil, thus producing a very unique wine. Only 150 cases or so of old vines Pinot Gris are made each year. This wine exhibits a very special mineral component which we preserve by keeping this block seperate from our other Pinot Gris blends.
The Reserve Pinot Gris is a blend of our tastiest blocks coming from our three producing vineyards, carefully blended into the Pinot Gris Reserve. This blend is usually between 1800-2200 cases in size. ---Melissa

I am going to visit Portland some time in Aug. Would like to visit your Winery. Also would appreciate receiving more information.
Ken Bergmeier
63267 E. Brooke Park Dr.
SaddleBrooke, Az. 85739

Hi Ken, Please do come out and visit us. Our tasting room is open every day from 12-5. Our main website has links to a map for directions to the winery plus many other things about Cooper Mountain. Take care, Melissa

How are the grapes doing this summer? Any predictions for 2003 harvest?

The grapes are doing great so far. We had flowering a bit ahead of schedule and the weather has been very cooperative so far. The clusters are all formed and looking nice and large, they are weighing in heavy which means lots of large clusters of fruit. So far so good.

Is the winery irrigating during the summer? If not, how does the heat impact the soil and vine?

The heat is great for the vines. It speeds up ripening. We do not irrigate our vines at this point. When the vines are young we irrigate to get the root systems established. All of our vines are past that point now.
Melissa

Harvest is approaching quickly. Currently in the winery we are finishing up with bottling of 2002 vintage wines. Overall the weather has been great for ripening the fruit, however the next week or so is crucial to the fruit development. Last weeks cold and rain has slowed ripening down. Hopefully the sun will come back and keep things progressing. Anticipated harvest is the last week of September, maybe a bit earlier for our youngest vines. Check back for details.