In the Vineyard with Mitchell
After spending considerable time walking vineyards, a few of things are becoming clear. First, the vines are catching up on developing the optimum shoot length / node number. Second, due to the May rains, there are an abundance of lateral shoots on most all varieties. Finally, there are an abundance of clusters. Lots of them.
In Burgundian varieties, berries are between BB and pea sized while Bordeaux varietal berries are about the size of a BB. Many clusters have persistent caps. If these caps fail to dislodge or fall off, it could create challenges, but there’s nothing to worry about at this point. Over the last few weeks, California’s weather has been about as changeable as a newborn’s diapers and the threat of powdery mildew has been high. However, despite the conditions, I have not heard of any outbreaks or problems.
The focus in the vineyards is still spread out over weed control, disease control and canopy management. At many sites, the 2nd sets of wires are being positioned on VSP systems and hedging the canes is not far off. Many growers are walking vineyards looking at vine water stress levels to get baseline reference points to determine if and when to start irrigation. The priority right now is to open the vine canopy for disease control and to allow light on the interior wood and clusters. This is important for fertility of the buds for next year and to develop many of the favorable characteristics we all look for in the fruit to make great wine.
It’s about the time of year everyone starts to get excited about the vintage because folks begin to visualize what could be. Well, don’t get all knotted up just yet my friend, we still have a ways to go. But, it’s looking good at this point.
Thanks-
Mitchell
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