Quality starts with THE VINE: Of all vineyard practices, row orientation is tops at Red Mountain

摘要

For more than 30 years, Jim Holmes has worked to better manage his vineyard canopy by following the advice of consultants and trying different training systems. What he's learned through decades of experience is to focus on managing the vine well andnot worry so much about the canopy. Holmes, owner of the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard located in the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area near Benton City, Washington, started in 1997 to keep track of his grapes' wine scores published in various wine magazines (Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and such). Holmes, who sells to about 25 of the most prestigious wineries in the Pacific Northwest, said that in the first year, his average was 92 out of 100 points.