Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/718029
WINEMAKER INTERVIEW 54 WINES&VINES September 2016 percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Oak Knoll vineyards will approach 50%. We also grow Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We have made some small changes in terms of what is planted where. In the origi- nal 1971 planting, in which every block was planted in the same way, we identified cer- tain farming blocks that became our favor- ites. However, after the replanting in the 1990s, each block became an equal contribu- tor to our reserve offerings. This was accom- plished because of the ability to design a planting plan for each block and through an overall improvement in farming techniques. We like to have each of the soil types repre- sented in the finished wine. So in our current replanting of Chardonnay, for example, we are planting it on several soil types to take advantage of the complexity those differ- ences provide. Q How about the changes you've made in things like clones, rootstocks, spac- ing and trellising? Kevin Corley: For each of the varietals we grow, we have used multiple selections of rootstocks and clones. Among the various vineyard blocks, we use the following root- stocks: 101-14, 420A, Riparia Gloire, S04, 5C and St. George. The only rootstock we have used that is not scheduled at this time for new plantings is 3309. As for clones, Cab- ernet Sauvignon Clone 337 represents the largest acreage, but we added Clone 4 and Clone 47 into the mix about six years ago with excellent results. We are likely to use additional clones, as well. We are only using certified nursery plant materials, and as a result we have discontinued using the re- maining two clonal selections from the origi- nal planting in 1971. In terms of other planting details, we have used cross arms in certain blocks since the mid-1980s and have found that they're a good match for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, so we are expanding their use. We are leaving adequate row widths to accommodate them in our current redevelopment. With other varietals, we will use a VSP without cross arms. We have some farming blocks using a divided canopy trellis, but for certain practical farming reasons we are not planning those systems in the future. Forty years ago, the vineyards were all cane-pruned, and with the replanting in the early 1990s many but not all blocks were converted to cordons. In the blocks we con- verted, we found that having better spacing between the clusters provides better sunlight and air exposure, which improved evenness of ripening and other factors that improve quality. At present, everything planned in the next few years is for cordon pruning, based on these results. Having said that, we experi- ment with just about every facet of both grapegrowing and winemaking, and we will likely have more experiments in this area in the future. A resident of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Laurie Daniel has been a journalist for more than 35 years. She has been writing about wine for publications for more than 21 years and has been a Wines & Vines contributor since 2006. Having better spacing between the clusters provides better sunlight and air exposure, which improved evenness of ripening and other factors that improve quality. • Large turn-key wine production facility with room to grow • Unlimited use permit • High-capacity tasting, restaurant & events venue Large Paso Robles Winery Facility Ideally-located winery facility well-equipped to handle high quality production, tastings and events at a large scale • Ample water + up to 37 vineyard acres • Current short-term NNN lease preserves buyer flexibility • Opportunity to acquire property at significantly below replacement cost Contact Sean Maher for more information: smaher@aspectconsumer.com • (707) 484-4604 • www.aspectconsumer.com