2006 SEASON

In 2006, the vineyard's seventh leaf, fifth harvest, four short fruiting canes were pruned with the same overall bud count as 2005 to utilize the up-down spread of the Scott-Henry trellis system for the first time, balancing the vines at a theoretical yield close to the prior two years.

A third man was added to the vineyard crew this season. Pruning and tying machines by Pellenc speeded both processes and saved workers from injury. After pruning, a pull-down wire was added to the trellis. 

First buds appeared very early under the oaks in Windsor Block, February 23. But then the weather turned cold and rainy. The rest of the vineyard burst March 30, about three weeks later than usual.

Frost concerns averted, attention turned toward disease prevention after the wettest spring in who knows how many years. Between canopy spraying, mowing and weed management, Nunes didn't get off the tractor for 26 days straight.

Bloom happened in twelve days, finishing June 9th. Fruit set evenly into small uniform bunches. As of the first of July, plants were separated into upper and lower tiers no more than one and a half leaves thick  Canes browned as the plants got ready for the switch from growing to ripening mode.

Workers traversed the vineyard blocks continuously shoot thinning, cane positioning and adjusting wires. Nunes could be spotted regularly, a solitary figure crossing the vineyard lit against the night. (It's not known how he did this before, without the environmental cab).

Veraison, as with everything else this season, was about three weeks later than usual. In spite of four unexpected overly-hot days at the end of July, fruit developed on target for the number of days past veraison in the ripening curve. All blocks were watered through the middle of August and then watched, waiting for harvest while motorcycles and mini bikes patrolled for birds.

With canes and leaves turned and enough cool sunny days on the fruit, harvest began at midnight, September 27. It continued through October sixth, dodging rain for a couple of days right in the middle of it.

So, through heat and rain and dead of night... grapes held well, slowly turning precursors into flavor, color and aroma to make some great wine.

Harvest Photos

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Budburst  — Dorothy's block
Clone 114 in March

New Tractor — Home Block,
Fred Nunes warm inside

Bunch — Home Block, June

Bunches — Home Block,
August eleven