Goodbye 2013

Another stunning sunset, as we say goodbye to 2013

Blackberry Vinaigrette

So, what can one do with dozens of bottles of blackberry wine - well, one thing is to make some quick and delicious salad dressing:

Blackberry Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup seedless tart blackberry jam
• 1/4 cup apple vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup blackberry wine - until it tastes good :)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients well, and serve with choice of mixed greens & veggie salad.

Oaked Blackberry

So we finally found time to rack and bottle one of our Blackberry Wine experiments from last year's harvest, a 2012 Blackberry, that was slightly oaked.  We were aiming for a full bodied wine, and used 90 pounds of blackberries for a 15 gallon batch - which gave us pretty intense flavors, colors and the full bodied taste we were after.  The wine is slightly sweet, with just a light oak flavor, barely enough to tell, but blending nicely with the fruitiness that the blackberries contribute.