Fewer than 20 of California’s 4,200 wineries reported significant damage from wildfires this year, Wine Institute says, adding that California winemakers say they are excited by the quality of the 2020 vintage. The 2020 vintage is expected to be smaller than usual, partially because of smoke damage to grapes in some regions.
Napa Valley’s white wines fared especially well. “The Chardonnay has wonderful fruit character and great stone fruit flavors,” says Jon Ruel, CEO, Trefethen Family Vineyards. “It’s a little lower in acid than normal, reflecting the warmer vintage. I also think this is going to be a classic vintage for our Riesling.”
Ruel decided not to pick some later-ripening reds due to smoke concerns, however other Napa wineries are assessing their red wines and will produce Cabernet Sauvignons and other reds. “I’ve had a chance to taste our Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc,” he said, “and they taste great.”