Solaris starting to flower

 

Solaris flowering

Solaris is just beginning to flower while the Rondo is well underway with loads of pollinators in the vineyard. There are a few clusters on the Chardonnay but still tightly closed. No indication of any clusters on the Pinot Noir and forget about the Albarino. 

Chardonnay cluster

Rondo exploded

We had torrential rain last night like the spigot was turned on full blast instantaneously. We've had 30 mm of rain in June now, but more is needed. Today is the summer solstice and we will have 17 hours of daylight. This year, the exact time of the cross-quarter moment between Bealtaine (early Summer) and Lughnasadh (early Autumn) was Wednesday, June 21st at 3.58pm (Irish time).

Daylight

04:56 – 21:56

17 hours

Sun Distance: 152.028 million km

Sunrise Today: 04:56↑ 47° Northeast

Sunset Today: 21:56↑ 313° Northwest

Meanwhile, the last phase of construction of our shed is underway. Cahill Keane has delivered the digger, the stone for the drain, and the smaller stone to finish off the driving area. They will paint the floor on Friday, and Charles delivered the paint today - grey! I don't know how long it will take Cahill to backfill the drain and level out the topsoil, but it is definitely nearing completion.

I'm a bit concerned about the cost. We've paid for the structure but not for the build yet. Chi-ching. Everything costs more than you expect these days. 

Let the winemaking begin.