Nebbiolo flowers are in full bloom at the Pelletiere Estate Vineyard in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. At this stage the flower's reproductive organs have emerged from the cap and are undergoing a delicate process of self-pollination. These tender organs are extremely fragile and can easily be damaged or destroyed at this stage by inclement weather, which would interrupt fruit set and could disastrously shrink potential yields for this vintage.

Thankfully despite unseasonably cold and rainy weather these flowers appear quite healthy and happy. In fact heavy winter rains have helped the vines grow exceptionally massive flower clusters this year, which could develop into some spectacular grape clusters come harvest. We look forward to seeing how these beautiful clusters evolve in the coming months.