History of Casa Cassara Vineyard - Page 2 |
In 1998 John Krska
came to work for Casa Cassara Winery and made a commitment to produce the very best grapes this small hilltop vineyard was capable of producing. John, a meticulous farmer, believing no detail should be overlooked, uses impeccable farming practices to produce impeccable fruit.
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Looking north from Casa Cassara |
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Due to the changes made in the vineyard and the small amount of
rainfall the 1998 harvest was disappointingly small. The grapes
were not sold; instead John Krska produced the wine in the shop
right on the property. During all phases from picking, crushing
and de-stemming, pressing, fermenting and finally bottling the
entire family was involved. The
result was 13 cases of home made Pinot Noir, made for the exclusive use of
the family (not for sale), even though the quantity was small the quality
shown through.
In summer 1999 while our Pinot Noir grapes were flourishing on the vines
we decided our first real production wines. Our Vineyard Manager/Wine Maker
John Krska was ready to work his experience and ideas. We wanted to produce
a product that would be the right blend of the grape growers expertise and
the wine makers skills. The 1999 Pinot Noir was our best effort to date.
The production run of the Pinot Noir totaled 40 cases and this wine is no
longer available.
Standing at the highest point of the estate vineyard there are breathtaking views of the Santa Rita Hills appellation below and many of the major grape producing areas to be seen. After many years of planning, the Cassara's completed a production winery at the estate. 2004 and 2005 vintages have been produced at our developing facility with the careful handiwork of winemaker John Krska, General Manager. In the near future we hope to have finishing touches completed at the winery site and can invite our members to join us for private tastings.
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