Rush Rhymes With Crush
Posted October 13, 2007 by Steve
The title summarizes my emotions with my first crush. From the delivering of the grapes in large fruit lugs, the simple tasting of the fresh fruit and then the chemistry of measuring sugars, PH, Titratable Acidity, etc., unloading the grapes into the crusher-destemmers, pumping raw juice into tanks, and then the next day adding the yeast and yeast “food”, can only be described as a “rush”. The episode only ascended from there, the smells and visual inputs: yeast with fresh monosaccharides gives an atmosphere of a liquid bakery while the cleanliness and stainless steel provide a tingling that women have when in the presence of jewelry. I also had the opportunity to share these experiences with my wife, family, friends, and my high school, now esteemed wine judge, Maynard Johnston. I am prone to exaggeration but obviously not this time, I have a new set of images etched into my RAM, for recall now and later.
Although I was not there at the time, Shawn sent pictures as the chardonnay and pinot noir were racked into the new French oak barrels. Obviously the photos don’t show the tremendous sensual rush and resultant goose bumps. All totaled, I was involved with the crushing of 21 tons of grapes while Shawn and David have now crushed twice that much with almost 15 more coming in. What fun, and, all the individuals we have talked to have said this will be the number one vintage year for Leelanau grapes, and this was confirmed by Doug Matthies and Shawn who feel that the dry summer and extremely long extension of summer into October, yet with the cool nights, will make this a vintage year to measure with those yet to come. Oh, we’ll have to get some of this product into glass — stop moaning — another blog awaits.
More photos → 
Steve
Douglas E. Sawyer, MD
October 23, 2007 at 6:35 pm
I was in charge of pushing the piles and piles of stems out of the way in the empty lugs. ” The colors of the stems coated in wine reminded me of the ice plants lining the sunset lit rocky coastline at Cypress Point in Monterey. Listening to Shawn and Maynard, I believe we will all be in for a treat once “Seve’s” wines mature. Also enjoyed a little vinyard golf whilst waiting on the grapes to arrive. Thanks for the memories. A smile to you and your future customers. Dr. Doug
Fred Rowland
December 3, 2007 at 9:04 am
Seve,
I believe we should be tasting some wines after Wally on a routine basis.
Neal Carlson
December 16, 2007 at 8:23 am
Steve: Until receiving your Christmas letter, we never knew all the talents of Steve Grossnickle. While serving as board member of Frit National Bank of Warsaw, you never revealed these leanings. Best wishes to all of you. We will put this on our list for next year’s tours. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Neal and Joy Carlson
Chuck Bollinger
December 18, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Splendid looking facility. Is there going to be some sort of “release letter” when the big time comes? I don’t suppose you have a Seattle distributor yet, but knowing when things are available will help.
Chuck
Ray Hunt
December 30, 2007 at 11:44 am
Steve: Not being a wine consumer since a bad experiance with “MadDog 20/20″, Colleen more than makes up for my lack of consumption. She already has plans to order your chardonnay; and then some. Her family is also anxiously awaiting the release of your collection. They will most likely be one of your most prolific contributors. Lets us know when you’re ready to release. Ray
Steve
December 30, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Ray, Colleen: Thanks for the nice comments. I was up there this last weekend and sampled them all. We have two Chardonnays, one aged in stainless, the other in oak, both quite tasty, I think you’ll be happy with them. Thanks, please stay in touch. Steve
Tom and Carole Bowker
January 10, 2008 at 8:45 am
Steve,
It was so nice reading about your beginnings! We know what you mean about women with jewelry! Thanks for your visits to our By The Bight Art Gallery and Studio in Northport overlooking the beautiful Norhport Bight! We look forward to serving some or your wines at our receptions this year and at our 2nd Annual Stonecarving Demonstration and Summer Open House on July 26, 2008!
Tom and Carole Bowker, Artists/Owners
By The Bight Art Gallery and Studio, Northport, MI
Larry
February 13, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Dr. S.
From the days in B-town with Ray & Bill to the farm country of N. Michigan who would have thought. Congratulations and good luck with the winery. As with Ray I do not partake a great deal but will consider in the near future. Also having become a gentleman farmer in western Nebr. I like to help. Finally building the log home this summer. Best wishes!!