They had picked nearly four tons before the sun even came up. Randy drives his International with its patented “Torque Amplifier” (I need to ask him what that really is).

With the sun finally lighting up the vines, the crew made short work of block B.

The truck awaits its load.

And in what seems like no time, the pickers are done and on their way to the next job.

Randy loads eight-and-a-half tons of Viognier for transport to the winery.

And – surprise, surprise – everyone else is picking today, too! The longest wait for harvest now turns into the most condensed harvest in decades, as six weeks’ worth of grapes seems to land on crush pads around the valley in a matter of a few days.

Not to worry, we’ve waited this long and can surely wait a few more hours. The fruit is cold and safely stacked, and we will tackle it first thing tomorrow – before the sun is up.

I’ll go back in a week or two and we’ll see if they are friendlier. I may also draw off some samples and let them rest/breathe for a day before subjecting them to more critical evaluation.

Or maybe it’s just me. Or the weather.

On a positive note, the Viognier/Marsanne is tasting fabulously of peaches and cream, and the 2008 Velocity is a joy.