Hi Tom:
Yup, conversations with an owner of a newer vineyard here in indicate we're too warm for exquisite Pinot Noir. Evidently it becomes ripe too early in the season and can give up a 'jammy' quality some years? While north in the Willamette Valley Pinot Nior can hang to perfection untill the October rains threaten. While up there they don't have the heat or season for Cab., Syrah or Merlot.
Fortunately noobie home grape growers are not constrained by such sillyness, isn't ignorance bliss! Besides, having 5 gallons each of 10 wines, even if some is less than exquisite ($2 Steve's Pinot Noir?), seems more appealing for personal use than 50 gallons of good Cab and-or Merlot. BTW I'd love to make wine as good as Charles Shaw someday!!
I intend to plant Chardonnay, Gamay Nior and Pinot Noir for early grapes. Probably will take Bill's advice and forgo Leon Millot. Merlot, Syrah and Sav. Blanc for midseason and Cab for late midseason. Gotta fit Pinot Gris and a Muscat in there somewhere too. References from 'Vines to Wines' by Jim Cox. Sounds crazy when I see it in print, what fun this is! Thanks Steve noobie Oregon
