June 17, 2002

Harvest Concerns - Mendocino

Casey Hartlip from Eaglepoint Ranch in Mendocino, posted a message on the West Coast Wine Network about this year's harvest. He writes:
"Its the middle of June and my Cabernet is at full bloom. We haven't had a single day over 90 degrees so far this summer. I've got a funny feeling about this vintage.
Reminds me of a lot of 1983 when prices dropped because of over supply (sound familiar?), then we had a cool summer, then about an inch and a half of rain in early September on a huge crop. Everyone filled up their winery with substandard wine and I thought seriously about another line of work.
Maybe its the weather and the potential giant crop shaping up that is making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. All I know is I've been spending lots of time with my sulfur duster and sprayer because I have a funny feeling about mildew with a summer like this. Come July we'll be dropping some serious crop on the ground (unlike '83) so the vines can ripen effectively.
Its not like we're super late on the calendar (like '98 when my Cab finished bloom on July 4th!) but if we don't get some warmer weather soon, I may not be getting much sleep in early Sept."

(Note: I've bolded key points of the text)

Eaglepoint Ranch is a partnership between chocolate-maker John Scharffenberger and viticulturist Casey Hartlip. The 82-acre vineyard sits in the middle of nearly three square miles of upland range and timberland. They grow Syrah, Petit Syrah, Sangiovese, and Grenache. Copain makes a single vineyard designate: 1999 Copain Syrah Eaglepoint Ranch.

Posted by Sasha on June 17, 2002 10:13 AM