26 November

The vineyards are growing fast now with the increase in temperature. Most of the canopy management practices has been done. All that is left is crop control and then a quick holiday before the start of the 2011 harvest season.

Weeds seem to be a major problem for the past three years. This is mainly due to the spring and summer rains, which we are not used to. This pose a big threat for dryland vineyards like ours, specially in a dry year that we are experiencing this year. Not only does it take up essential moisture, but some weeds excrete toxic elements that can negatively impact on the vineyards.

Downy Mildew is under control up to this stage. There are some places in Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre where there are some damage to the bunches, but it is hardly 1%. The spraying programmes were followed very strictly this year, and with great results.

I foresee a good harvest, but to make it excellent we will need about another 40mm rain. But we'll see what happens.