Fresno State Enology Society Presentation

I last presented to the Fresno State Enology Society a couple years ago; so it was great to be invited back to share some new wines. The Spring Semester is usually filled with wine makers showing a broad line-up of offerings, from whites to reds. I designed the tasting to focus on exclusively 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley. Here was the lineup (sort of a mini vertical):

2011 Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (unreleased)
2011 1TL, D. Rafanelli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 1TL, D. Rafanelli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (limited release)
2011 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (unreleased)

Six Cabernet Sauvignon's presented at Fresno State Enology Society

The purpose was to show the crowd the differences a year and Mother Nature can make in a wine. Lean and mean 2011s versus plush and fruity 2012s.

Photo Courtesy of Vince Kennedy - Winemaker David Scheidt at Fresno State Enology Presentation

As I've stated before, I appreciate the 2011 vintage because it's unique for Dry Creek Valley, with low alcohol and structured tannins and a style that will develop over a very long period. It would be impossible to craft the wines of 2011 in the drought conditions we've experienced the last two seasons. I'm equally enthusiastic about my 2012 wines for the amount of full-bodied fruit, full-palate structure and elegance the wines have have so early in their life.

The crowd favorite was the 2012 1TL, D. Rafanelli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The enology student favorite was the 2011 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon; remarkable contrasts between these two wines, which as the winemaker, is music to my ears. I've made something for everyone in the crowd to enjoy.

Thanks to the Enology Society for inviting me back and Go Dogs!

Fresno State Enology Society

I'd like to express my appreciation to the Enology Department, the students, and the Enology Society for hosting me at CSU, Fresno. It was a pleasure to participate as a wine maker and alumni. On a personal note, I'd like to thank Kerry Fitzgerald for setting everything up for me and the personal tour around the Enology Department.

I've attached a few pictures from the evening both here in the blog post and in our Gallery on the website. Thanks to Cousin Marco for taking pictures at the event and T.L. for showing his support and our new Mastro Scheidt Hats (ask me if you want one, they come in different colors).

David Scheidt to speak at Fresno State Enology Society

Talk about great!

I will be the featured speaker and pouring wine at the CSU, Fresno Enology Society on Thursday, March 15 at 6:30pm in the main Enology Building. I'll be pouring my current line-up of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon's and SOON TO BE RELEASED 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon's. It's open to the public for $10, so drop in if you want to get a sneak peak on an upcoming release.

It's sort of funny (and a bit strange) that 20 years ago I graduated from CSU, Fresno with a degree in Finance and I'm being asked to speak about wine. But maybe it's not so strange. While chemistry is obviously a big part of winemaking, so is the business of winemaking. 

Since I was first asked to speak, I've had a hard time deciding what it is I'm going to speak about. Sure, we'll try all the wines and I'll answer questions about the wine technicals, but making wine to me was only part of why Mastro Scheidt Cellars was formed. It's such an honor to speak, luckily I have a couple weeks to think about.

Go Dogs!

Enology Department Website