REVIEW OF THE SEASON 2007.
DISASTER. The season began in February, with exceptionally heavy snow and damaged tunnels. I patched these as best I could, and considered replacement/ repair. This will finally be tackled after our open weekend.
A very hot early spring made establishing cuttings unusually difficult. We then took a holiday – not seeing a drop of rain in over a fortnight, while at home there was some of the worst weather for many a year. Our drive, despite having all the drainage etc one could reasonably expect to need, nevertheless was partly washed away, much of it arriving next to the house. The rain came at the worst possible time, and in general washed away any hope of pollination. I am only glad to hear that this was not everyone’s experience. The few surviving grapes are going to be late.
Curiously, the vines in the hedge by the vineyard appear to have a full crop of grapes. I can only think that they flowered at a slightly different time. In addition, our no spray vineyard has a reasonable set of grapes for young vines. Do go and look. There appears to be virtually no disease, either.
The main vineyard had many of the vines blown off the wires, and these had to be put back. In addition severe downy mildew, not usually a major problem, had to be got under control. I am given to understand that those spraying with copper had fewer problems, and it may be that it will need to be used another year. The vineyard is now tidy and in good order, but grapes will be few and far between.
We have had two excellent years in 2005 and 2006, so have plenty of wine No doubt 2008 will be better than this season. I am pleased with the wines of 2006 both in quantity and quality. This is just as well, as the next real crop will be in 2008. I shall make some fruit wines, having had a heavy greengage crop as well as good crops of plums, pears and apples.
Brian Edwards.