Our first sign of budbreak is evident in some of our Chardonnay vines. These photos were taken from the top of our Portola Springs Vineyard. I'd guestimate that 30-40% of our Chard in that vineyard is pushing. This is a normal to late break for us. Last year we were out a few weeks earlier. We usually like a later break as it often means bloom occurs later in the year. The later bloom occurs the more likely we miss any rain/poor weather that can and has (see 2005) wiped out our crop.
The buds look like little balls of wool, with shades of pink, white and green. We like to see an even budbreak- both from bud to bud on a single vine and from vine to vine. We have had gorgeous weather lately, but the forecast looks to cool and it looks like we'll get more rain, which is a good thing.
Budbreak is always exciting, it brings back feelings and memories of spring and serves as a gentle reminder that the 2008 wines aren't all that far away. Harvest in 6 months already!
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