The ongoing drought presented challenges for winegrowers, resulting in reduced yields, but vintners are reporting outstanding quality and great concentration in the fruit, Wine Institute said.
California produces about 80% of the nation’s wine, making it the world’s fourth-largest wine-producing region. More than 80% of California wine is made in a Certified Sustainable California Winery and over half of the state’s 637,000 vineyard acres are certified to one of California’s sustainability programs (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green and SIP-Certified). Along with preserving the land for future generations, many of the sustainable practices used by the state’s vintners help make the harvest and growing season run more smoothly and increase wine quality.
Yields at Rodney Strong Vineyards were down about 14% overall, while Chardonnay and Pinot Noir came in around average. “The quality and the color of the wine, and the tannin development are some of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Justin Seidenfeld, director of winemaking said. “Our Bordeaux reds are amazing. It’s going to be an off-the-charts vintage for sure.”
Corey Beck, executive vice president of production and chief winemaker at Delicato Family Wines, also noted a decrease in yields. “We had to deal with drought conditions across Napa and Sonoma County, leading to lower cluster weights,” he said. “The good news is that we see a fantastic concentration of flavors and color in our reds.”
At J. Lohr Vineyards & Winesyields came in around average, with fruit showing more structure and higher tannin levels than typical.