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Cook Vineyard Weekly Newsletter 10.8.12

Every year it seems one variety out performs the rest. This year is turning out to be just that for the Pinot Noir crop. One could possible say Vintage 2012 is the year of “The Pinot Noir”. The crops are coming in 50% higher above normal with some vineyards producing even higher with great quality.

Why is The Pinot Noir crop so heavy?

Well it can be best explained this way. Normally Pinot Noir has small clusters with small berries, this year the clusters are a bit bigger because the berries are larger. Last year was not a great year for Pinot Noir, which had small yields mostly due to shatter (flowering issues caused by the June rains). This allowed the plant to grow stronger last year because of its light crop. Add this with the great growing season weather could explain the increase in yields.

So far Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Zinfandel are showing higher yields than normal, but nothing compared to the Pinot Noir.

If anyone wants to visit us in the vineyards to learn more about the world of viticulture, please call us at 707.490.8921. Also check our website  www.cvmgrapes.com.