We have finally entered summer at Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate ("RME"), and although it is at the end of August, we are thankful for the heat. State-wide temps have been so low that we are seeing ripening in most red varieties coming on a couple weeks late.
One bonus to having cool weather is the improved soil moisture status and the need for less irrigation. Our canopies look very good, and the crop will ripen easily.
We have two new varieties at RME that will have their first crop this 2010 season: Viognier and Muscat. We have a bit more than an acre so will have roughly 200 cases of the blend. Watch for it next year!
As we enter veraison (fruit coloring and softening), our risk of powdery mildew is reduced. Once fruit hits about 15 brix, mildew will not infect the clusters. However, the continued risk of Botrytis bunch rot combined with the risk of sunburning from the recent heat wave is keeping us on our toes!
Until next time,
Corky Roche
Salinas, CA
Corky Roche's website: http://www.rochevineyardconsulting.com
Follow Corky Roche on twitter: http://twitter.com/rovinco
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