The relentless heat of this long, hot summer is starting to wear on the vineyards of Niagara.
While most would assume that a prolonged heat spell would be beneficial for grape vines, it is starting to worry winemakers and viticulturists who are looking to the skies pleading for a good old fashioned rain storm.
I was up to visit Brian Schmidt at Vineland Estates the other day to check out Grape X in the St. Urban Riesling Vineyard. The vine that we are following from bud to bottle and documenting here in what we call the Grape Chronicles is in perfect health.
The grapes are starting to bunch and continue to evolve at a rapid rate. But up and down the rows you can see some victims of the heat with yellowed leaves and stunted growth. It’s a combination of heat, lack of rain and the late frost that has rendered some vines useless, at least for this vintage. But, thankfully, it’s only a smattering throughout the vineyard.
There isn’t much news to report on Grape X. Our next task is to finally choose the actual grape bunch that we will source our Grape X. We will do that in the next two to three weeks.
In the meantime, Schmidt and David Hulley, director of customer experience at the winery, have erected a very cool sign in front of the vine we are following in the St. Urban Riesling vineyard. If you’re curious, check it out … it’s on the left side of the road as drive up the main driveway at Vineland Estates. Here are some photos that were taken last Tuesday, along with an early review of Schmidt’s gorgeous Bo-Teek Vineyard Cabernet 2010 to be released this fall.
Vineland Estate Elevation Bo-Teek Vineyard Cabernet 2010 ($25, fall release, 91 points) — Bo-Teek is one of the prized vineyards winemaker Brian Schmidt farms for his top wines. It’s a blend mostly Cabernet Franc, some Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Merlot. It shows wonderful pure raspberry, cassis and currant fruits on the nose to go with soft spices and bramble bush. Its true beauty is on the palate. It’s an elegant style yet reveals a deliciously ripe fruit profile that doesn’t hammer you over the head. Schmidt says he “chose a softer, more approachable style without excessive tannins” for his Reserve tier red blend. Managing those aggressive tannins from 2010 required skill in the winery, for example, avoiding harsh pump overs by keeping the cap (skins, etc.) submerged. The result is a juicy red with big flavours of black cherry, cassis and blackberry to go with licorice and sweet spices. It’s approachable in its youth and is built to enjoy in the next few years.
Comment here