Tom Scott Vineyard Newsletter - December 2019 - Barn Burner Cabernet Sauvignon
 Throughout the year, as we walk the vineyard with visitors and discuss our farming practices, we are frequently asked, "When do you get a break?" Our answer is, "after our fruit is harvested, and we've put the vineyard to bed."
This year, we harvested the Merlot and Cab Franc October 28th and the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot on November 2nd. It's been many years since we've harvested our varietals on different days, but ripeness is the key and that's just how the fruit developed this year.
We began pruning in March, a little later than usual, because we had to wait for the vines to "wake up." We usually begin pruning mid-February, but this year winter lingered.
Heavy rains in April and May helped the vines set substantial canopies, with abundant canes and leaves. The vines also set a huge crop after the May rains narrowly missed affecting "bloom!" Bloom is when the vines flower, as they prepare to "set" the fruit. If the sometimes-heavy rain had knocked off the flowers, our crop would have been reduced.
While there was a brief heat spike in June, the summer weather, which was also late to arrive, was mild and at times felt like a prolonged spring.
We didn't have our usual late summer/early autumn heat, so the fruit just hung out, not being driven by heat. The mild, warm weather did cause us concern that the fruit might not be sufficiently hydrated, so we irrigated our vines from August until harvest.
 Following heavy rains in May, came six months of dry, moderate weather. Our next real rainfall didn't come until late November! The mild summer became a mild autumn, as we patiently waited for the fruit to develop. Those of you that walked the vineyard with us and examined the fruit saw that the seeds were not as dark as we like to see prior to harvest. Dark seeds are one of the markers we look for to indicate ripeness. As it turned out, the fruit wasn't fully ready to harvest until very late October and into early November.
It's always a relief to get the fruit harvested, because at that point, we can finally stop worrying about hydration, dehydration, ripeness, weather and tonnage! While the fruit now becomes the focus of our winemaker, the vineyard still requires our attention.
 Now it's time to winterize the fields.
The end of season chores included giving the vines one last "big drink." If we'd had "normal" rainfall in September and October, we wouldn't have been too concerned with a deep watering, but due to the sub-normal rainfall, we irrigated each of the seven "blocks" for a full 24 hours. As soon as the vines were watered, we removed and/or protected our irrigation system from the freezing temperatures we're sure to experience this winter. Some pipes and valves were removed and stored for the winter, while others were drained and closed.
This autumn we mowed the vineyard several times, effectively mulching the leaves that had fallen from the vines. This mulch cover will help the vine rows retain moisture once the rainy season starts. This year the rains finally arrived on Thanksgiving Day, and we raced to get the last of the fertilizer into the fields, so the rain could break it down and help it sink into the ground. We were very thankful that the family was with us for the holiday, as it took all hands to get the job done, and just in the nick of time!
 This year, Tom built a well house, to house and protect our newest well. While we've already had some very cold nights, we can rest assured knowing that the well pump and pipes are well-insulated.
We've had about four inches of rain since Thanksgiving. Everything is washed clean, the creek is running, pipes are protected, vines are fed, and we can settle down for a long winter's nap!
When spring arrives, our vines will be rested and ready to begin a new vintage, and so will we!
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, as we did! We hope everyone is warm and safe and enjoying the holidays.
Don't forget to leave Santa, cookies and a glass of Barn Burner; it's sure to inspire him - we know it inspires us!
From the peace of the vineyard, and warmth of our home, we wish you all a wondrous Holiday Season!
Cheers!
 Tom and Lauren Scott
www.tomscottvineyard.com
www.tomscottvineyard.com/wineshop
info@tomscottvineyard.com
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