I know I'm getting older (or killing some brain cells) because I thought I wrote a post last year about the effects of late budbreak. Couldn't find it in the archives. Then I remembered that I had started a separate blog about the life of a Tempranillo vine (which I discontinued because I didn't keep it up). All I have to do is change the date, and the post is correct, check it out:
"April 14, 2007: Some years bud break starts on April 15th, but that's not going to happen this year. It's been cold and rainy so far this spring. While it might seem intuitive to hope for an early start, at Purple Cow Vineyards we are happy with the delay. We'd rather lose a few days at the start than risk the frost. No worries, April does not determine the day we pick. There is so little heat to be had in April that we can be a week late at the start and end up ripening on the same day. Regarding pests, there are no threats at this time. Rust mites are a common pest this time of year, but we have not seen any. There is some powdery mildew on the canes retained from last year that we'll watch closely."
Pretty much works still. However, we're later than last year, and last year was rough. We'll be fine if we avoid the horrible August/September of 2007. I hold to the belief that a late budbreak is a blessing in disguise because it reduces frost risk.
I looked at our vines again today. Anything in a grow tube is opening. Tempranillo is next in line and only a few days away. Pinot Noir and Muscat aren't showing much interest in budbreak yet. It's supposed to be nice this weekend so come check it out, the Tempranillo might open before your eyes.
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