A Peek Into the Merlot Block
Hello friends,
Welcome to the very first edition of Field Note Friday! I’m Len Brutocao, 3rd generation vineyard manager here at Brutocao Family Vineyards. From time to time, I’ll be sharing updates from the vineyard, giving you a firsthand look at the work and decisions that shape each vintage.
This week, I’ve been spending my mornings in the Merlot block at our Bliss Vineyard, where veraison (the shift from green to purple berries) is just beginning. It’s one of the most exciting times of the growing season. You can actually see the grapes transform, and with them, the personality of the vintage starts to come into focus.
As veraison gets underway, we’re focusing on two key practices: cluster thinning and shoot thinning. Cluster thinning involves removing crowded or poorly positioned grape clusters so that the vine can devote its energy to the best fruit. It means smaller yields, but what’s left will develop deeper flavor and better balance. At the same time, we’re shoot thinning, carefully managing the leaf canopy to expose grapes to the gentle morning sun while offering protection from the afternoon heat. These subtle but important steps help create optimal ripening conditions for more expressive wines.
The Merlot we’re working on right now will be the foundation of our Torrent Red Blend, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Every adjustment we make in the vineyard, every decision, every detail, ultimately shapes what ends up in your glass.
Thank you for joining me for this first Field Note Friday. I look forward to keeping you connected to what’s happening in the vineyard as the season unfolds. Until then, I’ll be out among the vines, helping this vintage become the best it can be.
Cheers,
Len Brutocao
3rd Generation & Vineyard Manager
