Pine Ridge grow Chardonnay and Merlot at this location and both varietal wines were available for tasting, so we did (Vinomaker even went back for seconds). It's a nice vineyard. Viticultural experts who work for the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, a co-sponsor of the event, were on hand to answer any questions visitors may have had. The bottom, level half of the vineyard had originally been planted to Merlot and had been grafted over to Chardonnay clones 76, 95 and 96 within the last 2 years (I would guess).
The old Merlot trunks were quite old and gnarly. There were lots of questions from the attendees about these not-so-normal looking grapevines; How does one go about attaching the bud? And how does one end up with the two arms of a bi-lateral cordon? It was fun to stand in the sun, with my 2 ounces of Merlot, and just listen to the conversations. Vinomaker and I didn't stay for too long, after all, I had things to do in my own vineyard. It's always a fun event.
3 comments:
Just a day in the life! Oh no, I hear a Beatle's song coming on :-)
I remember that Vinomaker likes Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc Viognier. I've not had their Merlot, but their Cab was very good!
Sounds like a good Sunday well spent! Let me know when you ever have something similar at your place, I'll don me gumboots
NHW: The Merlot seemed nice, didn't have a lot, but seemed quite inoffensive.
ALW: One woman's gumboot is another woman's wellie. Of course a pair is always better.
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