Early Spring | Bud Break

Spring is underway at the estate.

After a brief return of warmer temperatures, the vineyard is moving forward with steady, measured progress. Bud break has begun across the property, with Dolcetto leading and the first signs emerging in Semillon. The development is even and composed, setting the foundation for balanced bloom and a more uniform ripening cycle across the primary clusters.

We passed through a recent cold front without damage. At this stage, that matters. Early season consistency often determines the rhythm of the entire vintage.

Across the grounds, the estate is being brought back into form. The first mow of the season has been completed, and the transition to weekly maintenance has begun. Boxwoods are being shaped to create visual continuity, with more vigorous growth guided back into balance. Trees have been cut to encourage fresh structure, removing the starkness of winter and allowing new growth to define the landscape.

Pathways and gravel lines are being cleared as the property is reset for the season ahead.

In the vineyard rows, the cover crop has come in more green than floral this year. While the vision of wildflowers may not fully materialize this season, the vitality in the soil remains evident. The vineyard will be mowed in the coming days, and this early window offers a clean moment to document the vines at the beginning of their cycle.

Beneath the surface, systems are being refined. An irrigation issue discovered during startup is being corrected with a redesigned solution to prevent recurrence.

Nothing here is rushed. Each decision is made with the long view in mind.

The vineyard is awake again.