Over the past few months I have been rather irregular in my postings.  What I intend to do is try out posting every day from now until the end of vinatge and see how it goes. I will be posting about what I have been doing, what I have noticed and generally items of interest.

Consultancy

My consultancy work took me to the Jindong sub-region of the Margaret River region this morning to inspect various crops for a client in the market for fruit. I was amazed at how advanced many of the varieties were for this time of the year.

Chardonnay probably at 18 - 19 Brix, Sauvignon Blanc and even Semillon not far behind and Cabernet Sauvignon almost 90% coloured. I would really like to know why we are so far advanced this year compared with other years? I have some thoughts which I will expand on soon.  I am waiting on some weather data to confirm my theory.

Many vignerons and winemakers are in panic mode as they have been caught horribly short of time in their preparation for vintage. Even getting nets out has seen that bird damage has commenced earlier than normal.

There seems to be a big difference between the northern and southern parts of the region regarding the potential for red gum blossom.  Down south around Margaret River the trees have very little blossom potential, whereas where I was today there seems to be heaps as shown in the pics below.  Flower bud numbers look good and flowering has just started.

Very hot weather is expected over the next 3-4 days. This will certainly keep things moving along. Care is needed to ensure irrigation is maintained as well. I also think many growers need to be aware that sampling for Brix levels will need  to be commenced sooner rather than later. I have a feeling that sugar levels will be well in advance of physiological ripeness and flavour this year. We will wait and see on that one.

Vineman

Technorati Tags: Jindong, Margaret River, Brix, vintage, Red Gum