Sunday, September 19, 2010

Tasty, but tart.

Emboldened by yesterdays not too frighteningly low sugar levels in the Pinot gris, today I ventured into the Syrah block to get a quick sugar reading over there. The clusters look fantastic, so I had my fingers crossed. A mere 17.8 °Brix...yikes! When growers normally expect to reach sugar levels of at least 24 or 25 °B before they'll even consider harvesting grapes, it seems like maturity is at least 3 or so weeks behind this year compared to previous vintages.
The rain did not materialise today as forecast, but it remained grey and overcast until late afternoon. We need more sun!

5 comments:

Thud said...

Trouble in paradise.

Affer said...

In my neck of the woods, it's been a long time since I saw so many berries, nuts and conkers at this time of year.....none of which make (good) wine and none of which helps you and the rest of California! PLEASE: just don't let the French corner the market........

Vinogirl said...

Thud: Nah! Everything will be OK.

Affer: I envy you your English autumn. The Napa Valley will be just fine.

Nick Oakley said...

So how are the sugar levels looking now, two weeks on?

Vinogirl said...

Nick, not where I want them!!!