On November 29 we harvested our olives.
We started early in the morning, delivered the fruit to the press in the early afternoon and the pressing took place shortly after we delivered. Our crop was much smaller than we thought so there are only about thirty cases to sell. But there is good news also. Our ratio of black and green olives was more favorable than in 2007 and the quality of the 2008 is perhaps superior to the fine 2007 oil. It is characteristically very aromatic, yellow-green in color, intensely fruity with a nice peppery finish. Our olives are organically farmed and picked by hand. Because the oil is unfiltered it may throw some harmless sediment. About 75% of the trees are of Tuscan varieties such as Frantoio, Pendolino, Leccino, Coratina, Maurino, and many others and the other 25% are the Spanish variety Manzanillo. While it is standard to say that olive oil should be consumed as early in its life as possible, ours is a little different. Although it is delicious when young it has an unusually long life. Recently we opened a bottle of our 2003 oil. Five years is ancient for oil, but it was unbelievably fresh and fruity, but of course a lot softer on the palate. I am not suggesting that you do any long term ageing; enjoy it young. We use it primarily on salads, but it is also great for dipping with bread, and as a finishing oil on fish, vegetables, soups, or on pasta and risotto.
Our costs are quite high this year (because of the lower yield) and our goal is to try and recoup most of our production costs; we are not in this business to make a profit. It is a hobby where we want to share this unique and fine oil. So we are pricing it basically at cost.
Price per bottle for our 2008 Extra Virgin Country Lane Olive Oil is $22.50 per .500 ml (half liter) bottle F.O.B.Napa. We will ship the least expensive way and charge exactly what we pay, plus the cost of the styrofoam shipper. It is uneconomical to ship less than two bottles. On case or half case purchases there is no charge for the shipping carton. For Bay Area residents there is also the possibility that I may be able to deliver purchases of 6 to 12 bottles if I am in your area. Better yet, we welcome you to pick up the oil at Country Lane.
To place an order just email me:
1) Your name and mailing address
2) Number of bottles or cases desired
3) Whether you want it shipped or if you will pick it up.