Cluster shots 7/26/11

  It appears that, like so many other Northern California vineyards this year, we’re going to have a smaller than usual crop.  Late rains and cooler temperatures that struck during flower caused shatter and reduced the number of clusters that are maturing and the amount of fruit set.  Clusters that are there seem to be looser and have smaller berries.  We expect Butterdragon to be down about 15% and Baconbrook by as much as 25%.

Note that this is not yet a reflection on the quality of the vintage, and in fact, as grape growers who sell to other wineries, it’s good for that market — but expect less wine from us for the 2011 vintage.