First Paragraph: The 2009 growing season has been more than the usual challenge. Seasonal temperatures were average to somewhat mild, but soil conditions posed unusual difficulties on vines after three dry years. The early May rain of more than an inch helped reduce stress on vines and might have been part of the reason mite problems appeared relatively late and not as severe as might be expected. However, there is a significant amount of summer (sour) bunch rot this season, especially in tight clustered and thin skinned varieties such as Zinfandel.
