Weird Weather This Year

So the weather this year is very unusual. First, Spring never seemed to arrive. Then heat waves hit during bloom. Now, rain is predicted. Ugh....

Last Friday, a short and intense rain hit Napa and Sonoma. According to Ray Teldeschi, lightening was more intense then the 4th of July fireworks. They are predicting thunderstorms again this week.

According to Ray Teldeschi, most of the varietals were producing a light crop. This was compounded by heatwave during bloom. Now many of the clusters have shattered berries or uneven fruit sets. He even estimated that his yield may be half of last year. Veraison started last week.

Pam York from York Vineyards informed me that versaison is about a week away. Last year, veraision started around a year ago, 7/28/02. Scott Harvey walked thru the vineyard and said that things looked good.

Of course, it is way to early to tell if its going to be a good harvest. The harvest quality could depend greatly on regional weather and conditions. For example, Casey Hartlip from Eaglepoint Ranch in Mendocino posted on West Coast Wine Network that botryitis was forming on his Grenache.

I'm fasincated following the weather real time to see its impact on the overall quality of wine.