2005 was a big year for us. A big crop, big challenges, big parties, big work demands, and big wines. The year started off with a gentle winter, no late frosts, and a big decision to hang more fruit this year. We had gone slowly in our crop loads waiting for the vines to be mature and strong, and, well, after 5 years in the ground we let ‘em run. And boy did they! Our largest harvest ever, and all the challenges that come with it.

I could not have done it without my friends and family. I couldn't have done it without Ramon (thumbnail of image 3 here).I couldn't have done it without many of our suppliers and our distributor, Southern Wine and Spirits. I can't thank you all enough.... and I have to give special thanks to:

Adam Norforss....... just when it was all starting to crash around me, too much work, not enough help, the rains had come at the worst time...... I drove back into Tucson to see and hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama...... and out of the blue.... Adam called..... to see if he could come help....... the Calvary had arrived.....

He was promptly baptized by an erupting fermenter of Grenache, and learned on fly the deep mysteries of wine making. He also got me to play my guitar more....and we learned some lessons...like, NEVER listen to the Ramones when pressing..... Thanks for everything brother.....

Thanks to Sothern Wine and Spirits for taking on our wines and especially to Brian Hammer and the Tucson crew who came out and harvested and pressed Rosé with us in the rain. WE had fun and we made some great Rosé, which will be coming soon.......

It really amazes me, and humbles me, when I think about all my friends coming out, year after year to help us harvest and press. I think it's what makes our wines so good..... there REALLY is Love in it..... it seems they love to come and help, and I love them all for it.....

And then there was the Birthday Party.....my 50 th .... hooo boy what a time! Special thanks to my sibs Cindy, Doug and Larry for coming from all over to be with me then, and to all the friends new and old who came.... you made my year, gave me great joy..... Joyce, you won the cup! Roberta and Andy G.... what else can I say, except don't forget the primer....(thumbnail of image 2...), My buddy Paul, always there when I need him, Brad, thanks for the time you put in man, hope you'll come back soon...... Sniper Rick, he's still got my back, and my left flank..... Bonita and Darrell and the Bisbee crew...... Av and the Band, even made ME sound good..... Rick and Darcy.....Steven..... Mandy and Jane.... Rebecca and Timo..... Val and Andy L..... and most of all my 3 great kids, Helen, Erik and Amelia and............ Mickey, Love you honey.

And ....