Canopy Work
We are now at the peak of canopy work in the vineyard. The task is repetitive in nature. One could make a comparison to a factory assembly line, but simply being outside negates that argument.
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Weeds or Native Cover Crops?
One very significant aspect of Hardscrabble Vineyard that has changed over the years is the vineyard floor. In the 1980s and 1990s we would keep the ground under the vines weed free. This allowed for good air flow. Additionally the lack of competition for water and nutrients resulted in very large, vigorous vines.
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Hot and Dry
It’s not been this dry this early since 2010. The soil is drying out quickly, especially with this heat and lower humidity. Thus far the impact has been positive. No disease pressure and slower growth of weeds and grass means that we can spend more of our time tending the vines.
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The Cicadas Aren’t Coming
Linden is in a different 17-year brood cycle. We last had them in 2013. 2030 is just around the corner.
Read MoreCool and Dry
May starts the busy season in the vines. However this has been an uncharacteristically relaxing week in the vineyard. Cool temperatures have slowed vine growth and a dry spell has kept grass and weed development at manageable levels.
Read MoreHail No
Yesterday evening we had hail. Hail is the the greatest fear of any winegrower. In five minutes it can turn a perfect season into a disaster. Hail is our unspeakable four-letter word.
Read MoreThe Shift
Very warm temperatures have accelerated and advanced the coming of spring. Day break now greets us with a soft, still quiet and a warm sun. The shift has happened.
Read MoreWhat the Forsythia Tells Us
Spring Releases
Compare and Contrast: Sauvignon Blanc
Additional Seating and Fridays
Read MoreWelcome Spring
Our big season shift is about to begin. A cold, snowy February drove us to the cellar. A dry, mild March brings us back out to the vineyard.
Read MoreVintage 2021 Begins
Read More2020 wines: First Impressions
Writing about wines at this early stage may be premature, but we are getting a sense of the vintage, which correlates with our expectations as harvest unfolded.
Read MoreFinal Day of Crush 2020
Today we crush and press the Petit Manseng grapes we harvested yesterday. Their acidity remained stubbornly high this year, a reflection of a cool September and October, so we took advantage of the Indian summer days of last week. The warm days did take a bit of edge off of the bright acidity, but those grapes still remind me of the “Sweet Tart” candies I enjoyed as a kid.
Read MorePalate Based Winemaking
During crush and fermentation, winemaking decisions are made by tasting. Palate based analysis produces instant results. During a time when we have no time this works wonderfully. Winegrowers can do this successfully as we have been intimately tied to our vines for decades. Same grapes from the same vines at the same winery. Decisions are not so much intuitive as they are empirical.
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