[The Dirt]
In preparation for the new growing season, it’s important to have replaced the necessary nutrients our vines require (used partially or in whole last vintage.) Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and other elements, along with water and sunlight, feed the vines and eventually become the backbone for quality grapes. Part of being a biodynamic winery and vineyard is providing these nutrients organically through a compost mixture.
For our compost we will use a combination of cow manure, hay, and ground wood chip. Then inserted into the compost will be a combination of:
BD#502 Yarrow: Allows plants to attract trace elements in very small quantities for optimal nutrition.
BD#503 Chamomile: Stabilizes nitrogen within the compost and increases soil life, stimulating plant growth.
BD#504 Nettle: Stimulates soil health, enlivens the earth.
BD#505 Oakbark: Provides healing forces to combat disease.
BD#506 Dandelion: Stimulates relations between Silicon and Potassium.
BD#507 Valerian: Stimulates compost helping the soil to properly utilize phosphorus.
All of the preparations are inserted into the compost, completing our mix and insuring that the compost will contain these properties. Brooks will be making this compost in the late spring and throughout the summer months, finally applying it in the fall just after harvest.
“This would be a great project for the home gardener to add a little enlivenment to their compost,” notes Chris Williams. Why not start your own today?
Harvest 2009: The weather for 2009 had high week-to-week temperature variability with wide swings between both record high and record low temperatures but, amazingly enough, with little to no effect on resulting fruit quality.
It rained over the Labor Day and Columbus Day. Botrytis pressure was apparent but relatively low, and was easily sorted on the crushpad. A final heat spike at harvest actually benefited many of our vineyard sites located at higher elevations and typically ripen later. Extended hang time allowed Chris to wait for optimal flavor development and ripeness.
The yields were high, making our little winery very crowded! We anticipate bottling close to 10,000 cases for 2009. Wine is moving from tank to barrel and discussions about some new wines are beginning…
In The Winery: Every harvest has some sort of challenge--and for us this year it is space!! The yields in 2009 were high. Chris and his crew have been working nonstop for months now! We almost have all the reds pressed off and in barrel--three more lots to go just finishing up! Hopefully we'll be totally barrelled down by Thanksgiving!
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Package 1:
“JOIN THE CLUB”
Surprise the wine enthusiast on your gift-giving list for our exciting club: Equinox. This makes an ultimate gift, that is really impressive, unique and “keeps on giving”.
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Package 2:
"White House Whites"
Nab our White House State Dinner-inspired white wine set, featuring one bottle each of Ara, Amycas, and Willamette Valley Riesling.
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Package 2:
"White House Whites"
Nab our White House State Dinner-inspired white wine set, featuring one bottle each of Ara, Amycas, and Willamette Valley Riesling.
