Amalie Robert Estate Climate Update: 2007 July

Good day and welcome to August,

The strategy in the vineyard has been implemented and we now begin the long march to harvest under Mother Nature's watchful eye. I have heard tell that the valley is looking to experience an early year. All I know is that here on the farm, we are a bit cooler than last year at this point, and drier. Also in 2006, we spied the first PINK berries on August 2nd. No such luck this year.

We have recorded about 557 degree days for the month of July, providing a total of 1,054 degree days since the beginning of the growing season on April 1st . This compares with 590 degree days last July and comparative total of 1,246 degree days for 2006. In 2005 we had accumulated 1,062 degree days through the end of July.

During July, our highest high was 102.6 and our lowest high was 97.1. Our lowest low was 45.4 and our highest low was 49.0 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainfall for July was 0.39 inches and was 0.21 inches over last July's rain of 0.18. Rainfall since April 1st through July 31st was 5.22 inches, and is 0.78 inches less than last year's growing season to date rainfall of 6.00 inches. So, we are 192 degree days short of last year and just under an inch less of rainfall.

While doing cluster weights, I am noticing random clusters with hens and chicks. I suspect this is due to the heat spike at the end of May followed by a couple weeks of cool damp weather. I have checked the smaller berries and found they contain a single seed, and it is hardening off. I will let you know when we start to see color change.

Ernie