Hello and Welcome,
It’s that time of year when all of our hopes and dreams are turning
color. 2012 brings with it the most even cluster ripening we have seen in quite
some time. In past years, it has been the case where a few berries on a cluster
were very dark purple and the rest were still bright green.
This year we are seeing a few green berries on each cluster, but
the majority of the berries are slowing transitioning from pink to mauve. The
wings, which are the last to ripen are being skillfully removed as you read
this. It is our way of making sure we eliminate any green or under ripe flavors
in our wines.
We did have some hot days early in the month that got the vines
moving. However, most of the rest of August has been very pleasant. Highs in the
low 80s to upper 70s and evening temperatures vacillating between high 40s and
low 50s. These conditions have produced a slow and steady ripening period. It is
good for the vines and those who tend them.
So far so good is what we have to say about the 2012 vintage. The next big hurdle will be the month of September. We are hopeful for an even tempered conclusion to the growing season. We can expect a shot of rain sometime this month. We are overdue and the grapes surely could use a good rinse before their big day.
The hardest decision, and the most important, is when to
harvest. There are always several factors that contribute to making the right
call. Our goal is to bring in the grapes when the flavors and aromas in the
skins will make a wine that just drives you crazy! Throughout the year we manage
our canopy, fruit shading and soil moisture to dial in what we believe is a very
pure expression of our site. Then we throw in a few whole clusters and let them
ferment with the yeast they rode in on! This is when all the cells break
loose.
But first, we have to pass through September unscathed, or maybe
just a little bit scathed. So be it, we are prepared for the scathing! Let’s
step into the vineyard vestibule so we can have a look at the numbers.
We have recorded about 545 degree days for the month of August,
providing a total of 1,474 degree days since the beginning of the growing season
on April 1st. This compares with 582 degree days last August and a comparative
total of 1,271 degree days for 2011. Ceteris Paribus for August, but we are
still holding our degree day advantage from the Spring.
Our high temperature was 101.0 and Ernie’s hi-tech, wireless
weather gauge chose this day to display “OFL.” We couldn’t agree more, it was
awful! Our low temperature for the month was 45.4 degrees Fahrenheit. There was
no rainfall in August. Rainfall last August was also zero. Rainfall since April
1st through August 30th remains 8.96 inches, and is 0.43 inches less than last
year's growing season to date rainfall of 9.39 inches.
Kindest Regards,
Dena & Ernie
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