One of the big things that seem obvious but make all the difference in the world, is to pay attention to the vines. We have 4 sections of about 800 vines in each section. Two sections have Pommard and two have 667 (clones of Pinot noir). Before last week I fertilized all of the sections twice….but this time I only fertilized three of the sections. Why??? Well, the goal of the vineyard is to have all the plants grow and produce grapes that harvest at the same time……so when you look at the pictures below you will see differences in the vines that I hope to correct in the next few years. One section is growing very well but the other three are not as vigorous. So….here is what I’m doing:

Section 1 – Clone 667 and furthest east – these plants are healthy but the rootstock was not as big as the Pommard. They will get extra liquid fertilizer this year and solid fertilizer in the spring and I plan on only 2 clusters per vine in 2012. In addition I will prune the oak trees that overhand the eastern section of the property and shade the vines in the morning.

Section 2 – Clone 667 and furthest east – same as Section 1…..some of these vines are a little healthier since they get more sun than Section 1, so on some of these I will put on 4 clusters in 2012.

Section 3 – Pommard – very healthy plants. I plan putting 4 clusters per vine in 2012 as these are very healthy and will balance the vines.

Section 4 – Pommard – good trunk vine growth but they are exhibiting a deficiency as seen by the leaf color. Most likely this is potassium. We took sample of the good plants vs the deficient plants on 7/15 and will find out for sure in a few weeks. In addition, these vines are over the septic system so they probably did not get enough lime/gypsum and were only ripped to 2’ instead of 4’. So this winter I will correct for the deficiency, add gypsum and only allow 2 cluster per vine.

2012….our 3rd Leaf…..is our first harvest. I’m guessing that we will get around 1500 lbs of grapes…..or 1 1/2 barrels……40 cases. If all goes well by 2013 we should be up to 6 barrels if I can keep the vines happy!!! Then 10 barrels in 2014.