The Miracle Of Bud Break Occurs Every Year
Sap starting to flow from a fresh pruning cut in Spring. This is the lifeblood of the vine, carrying nutrients and water throughout the plant
The wonder of morning light highlights the tender new leaves
The vineyard is a complex ecosystem... all part of nature's delicate balance
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As new buds start to push, the growth cycle begins again each year
Fresh new leaves have such a beautiful coloration as they take shape. A small flower cluster is starting to form near the tip. With luck, this will be one of two clusters of Cabernet on this shoot in the Fall
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Leaves start to separate and the new shoot starts it amazing journey for the year
I just can't resist the beauty of early Spring
Morning light... My very favorite time of the day in the vineyard
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Frost Season ... Making Every Effort To Protect Our Newly Forming Crop
The beauty of an ice globe formed around a newly emerging shoot
Just the beauty of ice, shapes and light
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The brilliant color of tie tape, frozen with the new growth makes a stunning photo op
Miniature leaves, are protected by a layer of ice, which keeps the internal temperature from dropping below 32 degrees and damaging the tender new growth
Frost protection sprinklers running on the bottom ten rows of our Estate Cabernet vineyard where the cold air settles to the bottom of the slope
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Sprinklers showering the width of the vine row form spectacular icicles on a 28 degree morning
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Flower Cluster to Full Bloom to Fruit Set Before Spring Has Turned To Summer
Flower clusters form as new shoots develop in the early Spring..
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Bloom Begins
As the shoots elongate, so do the flower clusters.
The miracle of pollination. Grapes are self pollinating, having both the male and female flower parts together in one flower. No need for the birds and the bees in this story. As the caps dry and pop off each individual flower, it pops open so the fresh pollen can fall onto the female receptor in the center.
Fruit Set and Berry Formation
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A fully developed flower cluster in nearly full bloom
Full bloom flower cluster. This is a critical time for pollination. If the flower cap does not separate and allow the flower to open...no berry. If rain washes the pollen away...no berry. If hot dry winds dry the pollen...no berry. No berries...no crop.
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As bloom finishes, berries start to form. As a natural occurrence, about 25% of the flowers will not set...a condition called 'shatter'.
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As soon as the berries set, they will begin to size up and fill in as a cluster of grapes. This pea-sized stage is the first real glimpse we have of this vintage's crop level.
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