After a cool and wet beginning to the season
The fruit is now well-set and developing nicely.
Viticulture defies simplicity and laughs in the face of the unsubtle. It seems that we often want to find ways to create linear models, to explain phenomena in a forthright manner. Well, the grapes don't go for that. Finding balance within a vineyard is neither simple nor easy, and understanding the character of a vintage--well, we don't worry about being bored with our jobs anytime soon.
This spring was cool and wet. The rains just kept coming, and it still hasn't really heated up the way a Napa summer can be. Typically, late rains encourage vigor and can lead to larger yields and larger clusters. On the other hand, cool temperatures can delay or diminish fruit set and retard fruit development. So what do we get from both happening together?
It's too soon to tell. The vines appear to be healthy and the fruit looks good, although everything is a couple of weeks or so behind last year. Stay tuned, though. As I was walking through the Haynes Vineyard this morning to take these pictures, Ann was already there, counting and weighing clusters, as she prepares her preliminary yield estimates. If her yield estimates are over where we like to see each vineyard, we'll begin to discuss cutting fruit. Regardless, this year will be like each one before--that is, a completely new learning experience
(Photos: Wente selection Chardonnay in Haynes Vineyard, top)
(Haynes Vineyard Pinot Noir, bottom left. Fog lifting over Mt. George, bottom right)
