Veraison! Veraison has arrived in the valley and seems to be moving by pretty quickly. Having 2010 and 2011 still fresh in the mind skews my perspective a bit on what is normal here in the valley. I'm often saying to myself that we are really far ahead and this year is looking great! (great: referring to early harvest and fruit quality)
I then have to remind myself that in terms of the vine's physiological processes, this year is closer to average. (in terms of degree days, [heat accumulation during the course of a growing season]. That is not to take anything away from what looks to be an extremely high quality year. It really is looking great out there!...
