Today it rained 1/2 an inch to give us a rather feeble 6 inches for the year. Although unusually late even this small amount is beneficial — the vines are growing rapidly and need the water.

This year, for the first time we can remember, the Syrah (in the foreground on the left) is ahead of the Pinot Noir. If both varieties should mature at the same time this would put a definite strain on manpower and equipment. More likely, the Syrah will slow down and regain its normal pace, so that in the end, it will be harvested several weeks after the Pinot Noir, which is the norm.