|
|
|
|
Vineyard Update: Veraison Published August 19, 2005
Post Office Box 395 Dallas, Oregon 97338
Phone/FAX 503.831.4703
Web site Address
Hello and welcome,
Veraison is upon us. Ernie detected the very first berries just beginning to turn pink on Wednesday, August 10th. With the last few days in the 90s, we are seeing color change in all of the Pinot Noir blocks. We believe the 2005 growing season is the best the vineyard has ever looked.
As previously reported, our fruit set was light again this year. We are expecting to harvest about 204,060 clusters of grapes for our wine “Amalie Robert”. This is approximately 14.55 tons, yielding 1.77 tons per acre. We will make about 150 cases of Chardonnay and 700 cases of Pinot Noir. Or as Dena likes to think of it, just less than one (0.88) bottle of wine per vine. Now, that’s intense.
We have also noticed the arrival of starlings, nature’s little “tax collectors.” They seem to have been drawn to the intoxicating aroma of very warm and ripe blackberries. We will again be deploying counter measures to reduce nature’s “Tax Assessment” in the vineyard as follows:
· The end posts facing heavy pressure will be fitted with reflective streamers. We are not convinced this method deters any birds, however it dresses up the vineyard and reminds us of tinsel on the tree.
· Yellow jacket traps are being armed with Salmon scraps from our local fishmonger. As a person who is allergic to bee stings, Ernie cannot begin to convey the utter joy of seeing full traps in the morning. It’s just like Christmas! The traps are cleaned, reloaded and rotated throughout the vineyard.
· Bird Guard electronic scare devices are deployed along the wooded areas surrounding the vineyard. This little bit of technology reproduces the sound of distressed “tax collectors” such as Robins and Starlings. It also reproduces “feeding” calls that attract Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned hawks.
We understand their determination. After all, we share the same natural desire that drives these creatures. The vineyard is beautiful at first light. The calm, still air is moist. Dew covers the clusters as the rising sun reveals their beauty. the fruit is cold to the touch, wanting for the sun’s warm embrace.
Over the next few weeks, astounding wines will be made (or lost) in vineyards all over the northern hemisphere. All of our efforts have been directed toward producing the highest quality grapes. Our preparations now, along with Mother Nature’s guiding hand, will steward our fruit into world class wine. This is our passion.
Fortunately, you do not need to fly here and live in a tree to experience this passion. Satisfy your desire for our Chardonnay or Pinot Noirs on the enclosed order form, and we will send the wine directly to your nest.
Kindest Regards,
Dena & Ernie |
