Weather  
Today

0.38 inches rain over the last day, a total of 1.92 inches for the month. This should be the last rain we see for the next 10 days or so, with mid 70s highs and cool nights.

Sun and moderate temperatures are perfect for ripening at this stage, when we want gradual movement and the ability to pick blocks based on ideal flavors.

Sagging of the jet stream, as we saw yesterday, should not return before October 13-16th or later. Good news, a little drink and almost ripe fruit.

Harvest  2000  October 1, 2000

Cheryl Won! But only barely. (the bet that was made Sept. 29)

Rain Clouds Retreating Sunday Morning

Yeah, OK, so it did rain. Not much fell and it was not unwelcome. We have a great weather forecast for the next 10 days to two weeks, so, unless we get a little splitting of berries which could give an opening for botrytis rot, there will be no negative impact. In fact, we still need a little water on the dry farmed vineyards to maintain photosynthetic activity and there is plenty of dry soil to soak up 0.38 inches of rain.

Ina and Merie Sampling an Experimental Pinot Lot

Keeping the Pinot Cap Wet with Light Punchdown

This is the calm before the storm of activity in the winery and we're taking advantage. Besides sampling, adjusting temperatures to cool the juice during pre-fermentation maceration, and keeping the cap wet on the two pinot lots now in, there is adequate time for cruising the vineyard, drinking beer and watching movies.

Likely picking for the next three or four days include Stoller Pinot gris and younger plantings of Pinot noir, including 1999-planted Dijon 113, 1997 Dijon 667, 777 and 115. The oldest block of Pinot noir from Stoller will be brought in at the end of the week, with an experimental comparison of heavily loaded Pinot noir vines (4 tons per acre) and lightly loaded vines (2 tons per acre) picked a week from now, with Pinot blanc and Chardonnay.

Ridgecrest, a higher elevation vineyard, will begin harvest in 10 days to two weeks. A lot of work over the next two weeks or so. Rest up, crew!

And Cheryl wants some other bets, I'm sure!

Harry