Veraison

2009 Veraison has begun in the vineyard!
The start of the changing of the color of the grapes is recorded each year in order to gauge the progress of the season relative to other vintages. Once the change is 75-80% complete, we'll begin to thin the clusters, removing those that are still pink or green. This ensures even ripening of the crop. When harvest arrives, the remaining clusters represent a tighter window of ripeness, and the resultant wine is of a higher quality.

Once the grapes have changed color, they are no longer susceptible to infection by powdery mildew, so we can discontinue sulfur applications. Soon thereafter, we'll start to monitor sugar and acid levels, which will determine the harvest date. Given moderate weather and low wind speeds, I expect to begin harvesting our Pinot Noir in early-to-mid October, with the Syrah following a couple of weeks later.