Well, it is now officially Spring and the signs of spring are all around us. In the vineyard the guys have been tying the pruned vines down on the fruiting wire. The chopper has been going up and down vineyard rows chopping the canes that were cut during pruning. These canes after being chopped will return to the earth providing nutrients back to the earth.
While walking the vineyard with Jim I noted that sap is beginning to flow through the vines. We can see this because of where we prune we see moisture. The vine will eventually heal itself and this sap will stop flowing. However, these are some of the first indicators that the growing season is on the horizon. Also, while walking you could see that the ground was cracking as the winter ground thaw goes away.
Earlier in the week Jim and I had a great conversation with a local soil guy. We are looking more intently at the soil and nutrients as we realize that these are the building blocks to fruit quality and vineyard health. With increased vigilance in the vineyard we will see increased fruit quality. Not that we are doing that bad at the moment, with the news that I received from Appellation America today.
I received an email from Appellation America this morning indicating that we received Double Gold for our 2007 Chardonnay and 2007 Estate Reserve Chardonnay. They were both awarded this in the Best of Appellation Category. This is great news as both of these wines in 2008 were made in the identical style to the 2007. I look forward to the 2008 Chardonnay going into bottle as I know many other people do. Talk with ya'll soon!!!
Cheers,
Juan
