This year’s early-morning harvest at Mello Vineyard in Yountville started around 4:15 a.m. Tractor lights and headlamps lit the way on our journey to create our 2015 Two Old Dogs Sauvignon Blanc!
Beautiful bright green clusters shimmer in the tractor’s lights. 
All hands on deck for these early AM picks!
It was the earliest harvest on record for us for Sauvignon Blanc grapes from this vineyard, but only by a few days. This is primarily because of this season’s smaller berries and lower bunch weight. Basically, the quality this year was phenomenal — we just wish there had been more!
Proprietress and owner, Jennifer Lamb. 
Filler’up!
It all points back to the warm winter, early bud break, and odd weather patterns during bloom, which caused some shatter throughout much of the valley. The smaller berries resulted in smaller tonnage across all grape varieties. Less tonnage to ripen results in earlier ripening and harvest.
Trying them out. Perfectly balanced.
Despite having less tonnage than last year, the growing season has been ideal with continued cool evenings and warm days. We are excited by the exceptional quality and great flavors, color, and extraction!
4.5 tons — just weighed! 
Vineyard manager, Mike Neal’s dog Frisco begs for a snack! After all, he worked hard on this pick…
Next up: the “science” behind the wine…photos from bin to tank! Stay tuned.
All photos by Emma K. Morris
