My wife Audralee and I had a chance to drop in to Remuda Vineyard in Okanagan Falls last weekend and take a look at the Pinot Noir with the owners, Dwight and Arnie Gash. Although a week or so late, just like last year, there is a lot more fruit. The damage from the 2009-2010 winter is just about resolved. We're looking for a longer ripening period for the Pinot and I hope the extra hangtime will result in the same rich and complex flavours we're familiar with.
This vineyard is on a 5 to 8 degree slope, with a southwest aspect. The soils are glacial till. Lots of gravels and boulders that allow excellent drainage. In the picture I'm in you can see some the large stones that have been cast up. Pretty typical for the whole property.
The vines, grown on a modified Scott-Henry trellis, are in great shape. A couple days after these photos were taken leaf plucking was started to give the fruit plenty of exposure. Colour is never an issue for the Pinot on this property. All the Pinot from Remuda Vineyard goes to our Altostratus tier. We're currently selling the 2008 with the 2009 due for release in September.
