Amalie Robert Estate: The Great Cluster Pluck
Amalie Robert Estate: The Great Cluster Pluck
Hello and Welcome,
The Great Cluster Pluck, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Vintage 2022 is well underway at Amalie Robert Estate! The September numbers will have to wait, but we can tell you that September was just farming stunning, and October is so far warm and dry. We had just about a half inch of rain at the end of September, but that was gone about as quick as a fart in the wind.
The forecast calls for clear skies, temperatures ranging from the mid 40’s at night to upper 70’s during the day, and not a rain drop in sight. It doesn’t get any better than that for Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. And you have to know, Ernie is JUST LOVING this weather for his Syrah block, as he looks forward to a few more weeks of hang time.
https://www.birdgard.com/cedar-waxwings/
In addition to our own efforts, the Winged Custer Pluckers are also doing their part. This year it seems the Cedar waxwings are visiting themselves upon us. A fairly attractive little bird, however they hunt for ripe fruit in substantial flocks. And wine berries are one of the last agricultural crops left. One stop at your vineyard and next thing you know, a case of Pinot Noir just took flight.
And speaking of flight. Our Bird Gard is also attracting the apex predator of the sky. We frequently see the majestic sight of not one, but often two (and on occasion three) red-tailed hawks patrolling the airspace above the vineyard. And just like that, the pack of wine berry hunters become the hunted. Actually, you don’t see that many other birds in the sky when the red-tails are on patrol. There are old birds and bold birds, but not too many old, bold birds.
It’s not over until it’s over. What started out as a cold, wet, frosty and generally insufferable spring has morphed into what could be an exceptional vintage. It was way back in vintage 2008, that we had a relatively cool growing season that transitioned into an incredible fall. Ernie was still Cluster Plucking Wadenswil clone Pinot Noir on Halloween. That’s mid-way through Okto-vember, you know. About time to restock the bier in the fridge.
If you would like to see what we see, when we see it, check out our Instagram account. If you see something interesting, you can “like it”. We’ll be glad you did.
That’s all for now, we gotta keep on Pluckin’.
Kindest Regards,
Dena & Ernie