April 14
In March Spring sprang, and thus it continues in April, but with an increased sense of urgency. We are now in the midst of the spring activities such as bottling and frost protection. The main difference is that the pace is accelerated. Frost protection has become a weekly activity associated with nail biting.
By now most vineyards have reached budbreak and some even have an inch or two of young, tender, green growth. It is at this stage that the crop of 2008 is in danger of being decimated by the frost. Freezing brakes down the cellular structure of young green growth so that when it thaws it is no longer recognizable. Oddly enough, we use freezing water to help us protect the new growth. The concept is called the latent heat/energy of freezing.
As soon as the frost alarms sound at 35F the overhead sprinkler system is turned on. As the water hits the surface of the vines it freezes because of the cold ambient temperature. As water turns to ice it releases energy or heat. Thus, while water is added the freezing continues and the bud stays protected. Once this process is started, however, it must continue until the outside temperature has been warmed by the sun. At this point the ambient temperature is no longer a threat and thus the new buds are saved. If they are not, the crop can be lost for the season with dramatic financial consequences.
This month we have also begun the bottling of the 2006 Merlot. The fruit was harvest in September and October of 2006, blended shortly thereafter and then sent down to barrel for 18 months. During that period of maturation, it went through the process of soutirage traditional three times so that by the time it was brought up, last month, it was crystal clear. It was bottled this month with much care and will now spend another year and a half in bottle until it is released in September of 2009.
The emptying of the cellar of the 2006 Merlot and the growth of the new buds in the vineyards heralds the opening of preparations for the new vintage.
Development of the new Pinot program continues with further vineyard contracts and barrel purchases. We are also preparing to celebrate the May 1st release of the 2007 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
~Daniel Baron