uneven ripening

[Sage]

I have a new vineyard, first year of production. Most of the plants seem to be fairly even in growth and ripening. But, one Cab is totally way ahead of all the others. While most are still green with slight tinges of blue showing, this one is 100% blue. I kind of thinking I got an odd plant in the bundle.

I have Merlot, Syrah and Cab. The Cab's should be slightly later ripening and for the most part it is holding true that way with the one exception.

 

[codeman]

I habe a spot like that on my farm, its because it used to be an old fire pit, lots of pot ash and other bits.

 

[djrockinsteve]

It could be due to organic fertilizer in the ground, extra water or moisture and or more sunshine.

I have a vine that gets a little more sun than the others, mostly early spring. These grapes are ripe a week or two before the others.

 

[Sage]

No fire pit, same sun. This is on virgin forest cleared land (actually cleared in 2004), and it's right in the middle of the Cab row. It's on a hill side and the top soil was excavated off to make a terrace. Could be different soil moisture but I'm not sure how one plant could be that different. I need to do a better inspection of the leaves to see if it's a different variety or other changes. I was so surprised at the grapes that I didn't think to look for other things.

 

[grapeman]

It indeed could just be a different variety. It could also be any of the other items and could even be a vine with damage to it that is causing early ripening.

 

[Sage]

. could even be a vine with damage to it that is causing early ripening.

That might be the answer! I was watering yesterday and spent some time looking this plant over. Then I remembered doing battle with a gopher over territorial rights a month back, just about where this plant is. He could have done some root damage before he was eliminated.
Sage