Grape Expectations

A lot of talk has been swirling around about the upcoming 2010 vintage in the Russian River Valley. This harvest is expected to be one of the longest growing seasons in recent years which can present a sort of cause and effect scenario. On one hand cool weather means slow ripening and extended hang time. This can result in intensely flavored fruit, and sugars developing at a more balanced pace, which in turn equals yummy wine!

 The down side is that when growers are still bringing in fruit in November, the threat of rain can be a real issue as mold and rot can devastate a crop. The waiting game is one that growers would prefer not to play, considering there is a small window of opportunity to harvest the grapes in such a cool season. Growers can work all year long tending to vineyards, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on labor and maintenance costs only to have it ruined at the end of the season by bad weather. Already 2-3 weeks late there is no doubt that growers will be looking intensely at the clouds come late September.
There’s also some worry that the whites and some red varietals may mature at the same time, resulting in a monster workload at the winery. Typically whites will arrive first; Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay ect. Lighter red varietals such as Pinot Noir are next and closer to the end of the season come the heavier reds such as Zinfandel, Cabernet and Syrah. When many different varietals are ready at the same time it usually becomes a race to get the fruit off the vine, crushed and in the tank so there is room for the next load.

There is no doubt that 2010 has been a challenging growing season. In our 54 years of grape growing we always strive to produce the finest quality fruit we can, this year will be no different and we look forward to sharing this harvest season with you!