We are in the home straight.
Where are things at?
Regional perspective: Well we are definitely in the home straight when it comes to ripening and heading for the vintage finishing line. Reds have softened and coloured and accumulating sugar right now. Pinot Noir has already been harvested for those lucky or unlucky enough to have some. For sparkling base it is fine but for dry red production it is, in my opinion, questionable in this region!
Early white varieties have been picked, with even some Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon having been harvested with great numbers. The fresh flavours and great acid levels should translate into some great, crisp white wines.
While the main red varieties are still some time away, it is worth noting that seed ripeness and general physiological ripeness will be important this season. Seed maturity appears well behind sugar accumulation and possibly flavour as well. Time will tell. Much tasting of fruit in the field is required to get this one correct.
The earliness of the season is still being maintained and it is conceivable that most of the vintage will be completed by Easter (early April) which is remarkable.
Yield are currently running at 15 - 20% below average, whatever average is! Word around is that an area like the Swan Valley is down close to 50%. Post vintage discussions as to the reasons why will be interesting.
What’s happening at home? Well there is the regular inspection of the nets and removal of birds which have managed to get inside. Yesterday I removed 6 - 8 silvereyes which had got in through a hole which I hadn’t noticed. They did a great deal of damage, pecking their way along two rows. As the fruit quickly develops sugar it is vital that the nets are inspected daily as damaged fruit results in volatility and you can sure smell it.
The other job to be completed is the dropping of any green or poorly coloured fruit. As can be seen it may appear a bit wastefull but any poor quality bunches, pink bunches or even green bunches are defintely not wanted in the harvest. So it is simpler not to leave the decision to the pickers and drop anything which is doubtfull.
The result is a lot of fruit on the ground, some leaves removed from aroung the fruit remaining and thereby ensuring maximum quality of that remaining.
Off to check the nets, until next time.
Vineman
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