Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/230154
HarvestReport2013 storms" where hot weather persisted for many days. Winter rainfall was much less than normal, causing growers to start irrigation early. In some areas, vines were clearly stressed by the end of the season, as growers carefully rationed limited water supplies. In other places with good groundwater, it was a normal season in many ways. Vine canopies developed well, fruit set well, and there was little evidence of mold, which sometimes is a problem in the cooler parts of the region. Growing-season weather was not exceptionally hot. In July, evenings were warm. Late July and early August were particularly benign, with temperatures in the mid-80s and low 90s in the warmer parts of the region. Fog along the coast moderated the temperatures, but did not create too much humidity in coastal vineyards. The harvest began a bit earlier than usual for white varieties in mid-August, and cellars filled up quickly. Many wineries held growers to the deliveries specified in their contracts, and didn't take any extra fruit. Growers had to become creative to move the extra crop, and there was some deep discounting, custom crushing and even a little fruit left behind in some vineyards. Chardonnay and pinot noir were ripe and balanced, with good yields. The red varieties in Paso Robles matured well and as in many North Coast vineyards, the ripening happened a little later as the weather cooled, allowing for good fruit balancet. Rhone varieties also had moderate yields and high-quality fruit. Farther south in Santa Barbara County, the weather cooled and pinot noir and chardonnay came in a bit later than normal, from early to mid-October. Quality is also excellent for this vintage. Winegrowers in the Central Valley describe this harvest as "two harvests in one."Overall, the summer was not exceptionally hot, with warm evenings. White varieties were picked relatively early, and activity was fast and furious until a September hot spell. Cooling followed, and a little rain slowed down harvesting. Sugars dropped w w w. v w m m e d i a.com and it took awhile for the grapes to come back to pre-rain levels. Wineries and growers alike appreciated the break. As in many other regions, the zinfandel crop was large and wineries were strict about growers not bringing in any extra fruit above their contract amounts. Space became tight midseason and the arvest slowdown in harvest allowed winp. eries to catch up. ity Overall, quality is very good, and most growers delivered abundant e crops with little rot or other fungal problems. es White grapes had decent ripeewhat ness and somewhat lower acidity. J a n - Feb 2014 | V INE YA RD & W INE RY M A N A G EM EN T 45