The only thing that keeps me vertical is the glee that I get when I announce that this will be my last blog written under the evil persecution of Microsoft. I order my Mac today...after I pay my bills and see if there is anything left of course. This is a move to try to make this thing a little more professional.
What do I see for the year ahead?? Well as a contrarian I see positive movement. Windsor will spend another sad year. The town is sick and possibly needs an exorcism. Gun violence, people leaving, poor administration. Hey it's been that way for years, but Detroit has always been worse. I think we are just waking up to the mess we are in. I am not pointing fingers at the mayor as these problems have been around since my youth. Adding the casino hasn't really done any good. The downtown, which once supported adult fun is now only set up for kids and as a result is dying. The casino just couldn't be happier. Now they have the best restaurant (according to them) and there is no reason to leave....oh joy.
So why do I remain positive? My last trip to Harrow showed that Muscedere was basically out of product. That's right they were sold out. It's not good for them per marketing, but it shows that people are buying the stuff. Add the fact that this growing season was exceptional and man next year could be amazing.
If you travel into the eastern half of the county it is like another world. There is building going on and everyone seems happier. This depression seems to only have hit Windsor so I am hopeful that it will be better next year.
And besides, by next year I should have my house sold and fully moved in out here and put the addition on and maybe just maybe planted a few grapes. Who knows?
Now for my predictions: I see Pinot as really improving down here. A new one is coming on line and the other available ones are quite good already. Having had a lot of Niagara Pinots ours are pretty good and hold up well. We had a nice Sonoma Pinot and for twice the price it wasn't twice as good.
Cab Franc. I see another good year. If the winemakers avoid making the wine too earthy it will stay our premier wine. I say this because I had one that seemed that way, but maybe it was an off bottle and/or I may have been off that day.
I have great hopes for the Bordeaux blends. Here I think we have the best ability to make our mark. Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and Merlot should thrive here and we do make some excellent product. I like the emergence of the Meritage labels (even though it isn't a real designation) as it sounds nice and gives a good marketing point. We all seem to know what it means and it allows the vintner to put a stamp on the wine. Hey this type of move made Robert Mondavi millions.
I am also salivating for next years white wines. This growing season has to just make these wines awesome. The winemakers seem to think so so let's just hope it turns out that way. All indications point that way.
So, this is why I am bullish about the New Year. If the trolley people get more headlines, the Wine Fest does well (of course it will since I will be there again and this year I will serve samples), and that new winery comes on line, I just see us going forward. This year's crop was good; the weather isn't bad so all is good except for my headache.
