Debby and the Grapes
As I write this, Debby is passing just to the west of Linden. We’ve had a lot of rain. Four+ inches is my guess at this point.
Read More50% Veraison
Our Cabernet Sauvignon cluster went through the 50% veraison stage on Thursday, August 1.
Read MoreStart of Veraison
A few berries on our Cabernet Sauvignon cluster have turned color. This transition is called veraison. This year it is early. All indications point to an early harvest.
Read MoreLag Phase
Our Cabernet Sauvignon cluster is now in “lag phase”. When grape berries develop, there are three distinct physiological phases from bloom to harvest. In June and most of July, the berries enlarge quickly due to the cells dividing. They accumulate a lot of acid, but very little sugar (sour grapes). But about seven weeks after bloom the cells cease dividing and pause. This second stage is called lag phase.
Read MoreLarge, loose and full.
Our designated Cabernet Sauvignon cluster remains large, loose and full. This year Cabernet Sauvignon clusters are bigger than normal. The previous year’s weather in June determines this year’s cluster size and number of clusters per shoot.
Read MoreNot much change.
Our Cabernet Sauvignon cluster hasn’t changed much. This is very good news. The berries remain small.
Read MoreVine Aeration
Last week we finished aerating the last block of our vineyard. Aeration refers to removing (by hand) any unwanted shoots, leaves, or side shoots (laterals) that block air flow and light from getting to the clusters. This is a very time consuming, meticulous task. It improves both fungus disease prevention and wine quality.
Read MoreSo far, so Dry
The personality of vintage 2024 is starting to unfold. It is dry. Less than an inch of rain fell in June.
Read MorePea-sized
Hardscrabble’s Cabernet Sauvignon berries are now pea sized. We haven’t had any measurable rain for several weeks. Dry soils may be slowing down berry size development which would be good for the quality of the 2024 vintage.
Read MoreRodaro Malvasia 2020 Fruili Italy
At the end of the day in Linden’s tasting room we finish with a staff tasting of a mystery wine. Linden has a selection of wines from all over the world. At the end of the day a wine is chosen by a staff member. The bottle is bagged, hiding its identity. We taste, we discuss, we debate and then unveil.
Read MorePeppercorn
Our Cabernet Sauvignon cluster now has berries at the “peppercorn” stage. Winegrowers make food comparisons to berry size (pea sized coming soon, then garbanzo bean). Viticulturalists (grapevine scientists) communicate size in millimeters. Winegrowers have more fun.
Read MorePost-Bloom
Every week through mid-August I will post an incredibly boring or most enlightening missive on the development of one Cabernet Sauvignon grape cluster. It depends on your level of interest. Mine is quite high which is why I’m doing this.
Read MoreBloom Update
Weather conditions for bloom have been variable. Last week when Chardonnay was in full bloom we experienced rain, fog, cool nights and some occasional sun. This may prove to be problematic.
On the bright side, this week and next look close to ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, the last variety to bloom.
Read MoreSoggy May, But Vines OK
A damp May happens from time to time. The last one like this was 2018. While we have lost some work time in the vines (although rain gear is now always close at hand), the cooler weather has kept vines from growing excessively. But that will happen this coming week: sun, heat and plenty of soil moisture will keep us busy tying and positioning rapidly growing shoots to the trellis wires.
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