This is about the vines we just planted.

Cabernet Sauvignon (clone from Rutherford, Ca) crossed with Norton (“Monticello” clone). Red wine grape intended for the production of barrel aged dry wine of the highest quality. Size of berries and clusters midway between Cabernet and Norton. In 2006 in west central Illinois the grapes were harvested on 9/18/06, with Brix 22.5, ph 3.32, Acid 7.75. Like Norton the berries hang extremely well and this vine could have been harvested later with little fear of late season rots.Unlike its parent Norton, which grows poorly during its first few seasons, Crimson Cabernet grows extremely well and can be trained to the top wire at the end of the first year if grown in a well managed vineyard. It can bear some trophy grapes in the second season and a modest commercial crop in the third. It seems to prefer cane pruning.Crimson Cabernet should be grown on a single curtain trellis system. The canes have a drooping tendency and are easily combed downward allowing for excellent air, sun and spray exposure. We have not noticed any particular disease, insect, or bird problems.The wine is a dark crimson color and has the body and middle pallet that Norton noticeably lacks but for which Cabernet is so renowned. It also is reminiscent of Merlot. We have not held stocks of wine long enough to comment on the extended aging ability of Crimson Cabernet, but of the three grand parents that we can identify (Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Vitis Cinerea) all make wines that markedly improve with age.

Casa Somerset Vine Planting 2009

WOW!!!! Did we have the planters for 2009 . They came from everywhere.

Hilary, Norm and Annick all planted last year. This is their second planting. We are so fortunate to have these great friends!

Elsa, Krissie, Ester, and Carolyn were new this year. They jumped in, like old timers! These are our newest friends. A great group. They came from the plaza to the airport.

We planted 130 Norton cabernet sauvignon vines in about an hour and half. I was pleased and amazed at their quickness. We are now at 500 vines. The rain today was a real blessing.

Our 2009 planting friends were the first to have a luncheon on the Veranda. It was great to hear about each of them. Carolyn claims to be a relation to the Hahn Winery in California. :-)Esther is an artist from the plaza. Elsa lives up near the airport and is quite the gardner. Krissie told us about her beagle at home that is so cute, but can eat anything in a few minutes!

Maybe we will plant some more next year when the grounds are back to normal, and not a construction zone. Who knows?

Mike and Christine

WOW!!!! Casa Somerset. It is not very far from being finished. Vineyard,Vino, Food, Friends. Let your mind wander about what you would like here..

The hardwood floors were installed last week. This week hopefully, they can dig the for the septic system. We also have the gutters left to be installed and the last of the electrical. There is also painting to be completed, but the(the I am suppose to say Veranda now, Christine's orders) is done and you will love it!! No more porch:):) Wait till you see the 2nd floor mantel. www.seldomfound.com

We have vines to plant this Sunday, anyone who would like to help us is welcome. We will have a lunch and some vino for all who help at noon or whenever the new vines are in. Only 108 this year to plant, but our friends will get together for a meal overlooking the vineyard. We will start planting at 10 am.

You have to come and see this, it is the vanishing town of Somerset,Kansas.

Cindy Reynolds of Somerset Winery said years ago ,we need to bring Somerset, KS. back. www.somersetridgewinery.com Stop there too. Dennis and Cindy are wonderful hosts.

Come out on Sunday to help us plant. Bring a bottle over to visit. Also, bring your gloves and wear gardening clothes.We will have some lunch and then you can stop by Somerset Ridge Winery and taste the vino.

We would love for you to see the house and help with our planting!!

Christine and Mike