Tom Scott Vineyard Newsletter - Winter 2014 - Barn Burner Cabernet Sauvignon
 2014 will be one of those years we'll look back on while sipping Barn Burner, and say "that was an interesting year, let's taste what the vineyard gave us." This year we were faced with our third straight year of severe drought and had to formulate a plan to protect our crop during bud break and bloom. For the first time in fourteen years we watered in May, responding not only to the dry conditions but to the accompanying heat. Like most, if not all vineyards in the Valley, our vines experienced an earlier than "normal" bud break (green growth) and set (fruit.) Since the vines operate on a genetically predetermined growth pattern, we knew to expect an early harvest. We also knew that our vines' growth and development would fall at slightly different times during the growing season.
While 2010, our last truly unusual growing season, was long and moderate, this year's season was marked by prolonged high heat at critical times of development. We had such extended heat in June, which pushed the fruit to an early transition from green to black bringing us an early veraison in mid-July.
 All summer we continued to monitor the water in the vineyard, watering only enough to maintain the vines in a moderate state of stress. Moderate vine stress produces fine wine flavors, but too much stress and the flavors become undesirable. Late in the summer we had another prolonged heat spell. With our fruit already developed well ahead of previous years, we watched with great concern, as we had to balance our need for the fruit to fully ripen with our need to harvest before our fruit sustained any heat damage from dehydration.
So it was, 2014 marked our earliest harvest ever, October 13th! Normally we harvest our vines the last week in October, though 2013 - also a severe drought year brought us an early harvest as well on October 15th.
 This summer too, as you might recall, we experienced a 6.0 earthquake in late August. An unusual side effect of this quake was to start our seasonal creek running full time, even in the mist of the drought! With the shifting of the earth, underground springs had opened up releasing water previously unavailable.
So, to recap the 2014-growing season, we had severe drought, several prolonged periods of high heat, early bud break and set, an earthquake and very early harvest. This will be a vintage to wait for!
To close the year we're having record rainfall, thank heavens! Suddenly, after three years of brown, everything is brilliantly green. While the vines are dormant, this rainfall will help prepare them for next year, allowing them to take up and store needed nutrients. The green cover crop that's appeared will help hold in the moisture maintaining a healthy vibrant soil.
Our irrigation system will not be needed for a while, hopefully not before August, weather permitting, so it's time to winterize the pipes and valves. Once this winter chore is completed, we can rest easier knowing our vines and vineyard are safe and resting.
 We also had an unusually large olive crop this year, due in large part to the drought. It seems the trees liked the dry conditions and the heat. Lately, flocks of robins have been assisting the smaller birds with eating "clean up," and soon we'll have only pits remaining!
Because of our early harvest, we were able to travel to the Brain Injury Alliance Gala Fundraiser in Seattle, Washington. It was wonderful to see our Seattle friends and to help raise money that goes directly to services that support individuals and families impacted by brain trauma.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving - we know we are thankful for so much! And we wish each of you a holiday season filled with family, friends and the special joy that this time of year brings!
As the year ends, we once more raise our glasses of Barn Burner and drink to "Getting it done, and love!"
Warmest regards,
Tom and Lauren Scott
www.tomscottvineyard.com
www.tomscottvineyard.com/wineshop
info@tomscottvineyard.com
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