An update from the owner of the Nash Mill Vineyard in Philo - the deep end of the Anderson Valley. Backstory: This vineyard was first planted by a good friend of ours Jim Barr in 2003 - also where Eric has some ownership and planted 6 rows of riesling. The Nash Mill Vineyard sold a handful of years later to the Husch family and was converted over to 100% Pinot Noir. This is our 2nd Harvest to work with their beautiful fruit, clones 667, 115 & Pommard. - Eric and Ali
Monday, August 29, 2016
Hi All,
The home stretch is here and the grapes at Nash Mill are getting close. Well, by close I mean we have a sampling above 20 brix. The pommard showed 19.5 (and acid=11 grams). I will send full chemistry with the next sampling (maybe Tuesday) at which point we can speculate about dates for the first pick. Last year was Sept 9 and I am in no hurry to beat that record.
The vineyard looks strong. Deep green canopy with just a few yellowing leaves here and there. We dropped leaves twice on the east side of each row so the fruit is fully visible to the morning sun. We did a late season shoot thin (removing fruit as well) to reduce congestion in the canopy. A separate green thin was completed last week.
Lots of healthy clusters. Set was strong and while you can find some chicks and hens most of the vineyard shows a uniform berry size. It will be a good sized crop (probably 4 tons/acre).
I am irrigating twice a week at two gallons per drink. Weather is pleasant (low 80s) and expected to cool so this could be a long hang-time scenario.
Everyone is invited to come up and visit!
-zac