Walking the vineyards

Cary and I walked the vineyards today. It appears that the vineyards weathered the July heat wave really well.
Butterdragon Hill is a 7 acre vineyard that sits on a hillside above Highway 29. It is located between St. Helena and Calistoga near the Old Bale Mill. If you’re familiar with the Valley, imagine the position and orientation of St. Clement, Grace, and Vineyard 29. Tha’s what Butterdragon Hill is like.
The crop looks lighter than last year (a really big year). Bunches are well formed but berries are more widely spaced and smaller. This is usually a good sign for flavors.
Cab clone 337 – Veraison complete
Cab clone 7 – Veraison almost complete
Cab clone 15 – Veraison complete
Merlot – Veraison complete. Looks in good shape which is good news especially considering some vineyards have had trouble with their Merlot this year.
Bacobrook is less than 3 acres and sits in a saddle of a ridge on the west side of the Napa Valley. Part of the vineyard overlooks the town of St. Helena, part overlooks the small valley through which White Sulphur creek runs.
Napa Valley side block – Veraison complete. Looks absolutely awesome.
White Sulphur Springs side block – Veraison complete. Lighter crop, a bit more uneven.