Here’s the exposed side of the 828 block. Stan has been less aggressive with leaf pulling at Devoto Garden this year, which I like. Mildew pressure hasn’t been crazy (Stan has been on an 18-21 day spray regimen) and I live in fear of the dehydrating 100 degree heat we got in September 2010. So far the fruit seems to be on a beautiful slow ripening trajectory.
Note exposed vs unexposed sides; and the limited hedging, a nice sign of naturally controlled vigor.
This year I’ll be sourcing an additional ton from Devoto’s block of Dijon 667, planted in 2008 and first harvested last year. I have also found some very interesting Chardonnay down the road from Inspiration Vineyards, the so-called Jack Pierce block farmed by Harvest Moon, and I’ll be sourcing that for my Chardonnay in 2012 in lieu of Inspiration.
The Pommard clone I sourced last year at Flanagan Vineyard won’t be available this year (Kosta Browne beat me to it), but I’ve decided to retire the Russian River blend I’ve traditionally made from fruit near Windsor, like Flanagan, anyway. (The 2011 will be the last vintage of that profile — rich, opulent, thoroughly Russian River Pinot Noir to enjoy while it lasts!) I have been moving stylistically toward leaner, cooler climate Pinot, away from the RR valley floor, south and west toward the Sonoma Coast and the Petaluma Gap….stay tuned!
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