My first observation of the crop is that we do have an ample supply of grapes, not too many but we’re not in short supply either. The next time of most concern is when grapes begin to flower and there we’re hopeful for some warm days and plentiful sun.

As always, I blame Mother Nature!  A very short winter followed by a warm spring puts us about three weeks ahead of schedule.  Most of the varieties look very good.  Unusual heat hurt the fruit set in some of our Sangiovese and Syrah, but overall I am very pleased at this point.  Harvest in 80 days.