2010.06.30

Two weeks of sunny weather with temperatures soaring to 35°C has helped balance out the significant rainfall from the previous months.

A decision was made earlier in the growing season to allow dense vegetatative growth to remain between the rows in Kiralyudvar's vineyards until the return of sunny weather. This has minimized the erosion damage that could have resulted from all the heavy and frequent rainfall. Due to the elevated humidity levels, the threat of mildew throughout the region continues to remain high. These conditions will continue to be closely monitored by Kiralyudvar's viticulture team.

The flowering period this June lasted approximately 12 days. Flowering began in the Henye vineyard on June 7th and was observed shortly afterwards on the vines in the Percze vineyard. By mid-June, all Kiralyudvar vineyards were fully in bloom as expected. Strong steady winds promoted uniform pollination and we look forward to even ripening of the berries.

Shoot selection has continued throughout the month across the vineyards. In regards to our biodynamic program, the 4th spraying treatment began at the end of the month and will continue into the first few days of July. Our vineyards continue to be treated in strict accordance with the biodynamic calendar.

Early in 2010, the company acquired a parcel in the middle area of the Henye vineyard to help complete our holdings in the area. The newly acquired parcel in the middle of the Henye Vineyard was meticulously renewed and can now be integrated into the rest of our viticultural program.

2010.05.31

Heavy rain returned in May with significant rainfall occurring in the 1st half of the month. Due to the combination of rising temperatures and the absence of drying winds, the humidity in the Tokaj wine growing region has risen to high levels. Early signs in the weather and vine development indicate a later harvest this season projected for October.

Rapid widespread vegetative growth across the vineyards has resulted in slow bunch development. Our Henye and Percze vineyards look exceptionally healthy this year, with vibrant and vigorous leaf and stem development leading the team to expect earlier flowering towards the beginning of June in these fields. Flowering in the rest of the estate vineyards is not expected to begin until at least mid-June.

During this month, our vineyard team completed plantation renewal in the left and mid-terraces in the Lapis vineyard. Our renewal project within the Percze vineyard is fully underway as nearly 1000 new vines of the furmint grape varietal were successfully planted. The heavy rainfall observed in May has been a huge benefit to the new plantings.

Following our biodynamic program, the first 'Maria Thun' application was completed in Percze and Henye, followed by the initial spraying in all vineyards. With the exception of the holdings in the upper terraces of Lapis where spraying was interrupted by the rains, a second spraying was completed during the month. As the high humidity and hot temperatures persist, the 3rd spraying will occur in early June with an emphasis on preventing mildew outbreaks on the vines.

2010.04.30

Some long awaited Spring weather eventually arrived on April 18th after over a month of rain. Ground thawing ensued as daytime temperatures began to rise. Bud break was observed in Percze towards the end of the 3rd week of April. By the start of the 4th week in April, daytime temperatures reached the upper 20°C range resulting in widespread bud break across all of Királyudvar's vineyards. Development at this point is normal and on schedule.

2010.03.31

Heavy snowfall blanketed the Tokaj region during the winter months only be followed by daily rainfall which continued throughout the month of March. Plenty of moisture in the vineyards will keep the vines hydrated through July. 2010 marks the 3rd year of biodynamic conversion for Királyudvar's vineyards. As was done in the past two years, no systemic chemicals will be used in the vineyards.