As the 2015 harvest is in full swing, and the earliest on record in many parts of California, we give you some insights into our clients’ views of its potential around the state. We even give you a sneak peek at the olive oil harvest in Southern California...read on.
Merlot clusters from Hourglass vineyards
Calistoga/St.Helena AVAs
Jeff Smith of Hourglass Wines discussed how his team just picked their merlot which marks the earliest red pick on record for the winery. Merlot tends to ripen earlier and its phenolic measurements are often a precursor to the quality and nature of the rest of the Bordeaux varieties at harvest. If the last week was any indication it will be one of the earliest harvests in years (or possibly ever) for Hourglass.
Hallberg Ranch of Emeritus Vineyards
Russian River Valley AVA
“The fruit is unbelievable, it is even better than the 2012 and 2013, which were both stellar years. The grapes are small which will make a more concentrated and intense wine, and though we had a heat wave at the beginning of our harvest the weather has cooled significantly which is extending our picking window and keeping sugar levels where we want them. Although our yields are very low due to shatter and the drought, our practice of dry farming has helped the vines ripen fruit in balance and at lower sugar levels. Overall, 2015 can be summed up as: less fruit, but very high quality.” -Mari Jones of Emeritus Vineyards
Harvest means early mornings in the vineyards- CCA worked alongside Stephy Terrizi at the Broadside vineyard to help prep for the harvest
Paso Robles AVA
“On the Central Coast we have small and sometimes shockingly small crop loads (one cluster per 10 vines). Higher than normal winds in the spring led to shatter with many varieties and a lack of moisture didn't help. The result is early ripening and intense flavors. Extreme vigilance is required in the field to make sure that heat spikes don't push our fruit beyond balance. Hopefully we will get all our fruit in early and then the rains will wash over us and fill some of our local lakes.”-Brian Terrizzi of Broadside Wines
Randall Grahm demonstrates punchdowns
Dooniverse
“Best words to describe '15 harvest: Apocalyptic and anomalous. Cabernet is being harvested before Chardonnay in the same vineyard; these are things that one has never seen before. And of course preternaturally early, undoubtedly the earliest on record for some regions. Areas like Santa Maria Valley that have traditionally been thought of as "cool," are being harvested on the order of 6 to 8 weeks earlier than they had been in the past. Truly weird. Prediction: Those who have problems with cognitive dissonance and continue to wait for "physiological ripeness" will see their grapes turn to raisins on the vine (and will likely be sorry.) Or not.” -Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyards
Temecula
Fresh off the press olive oil
“So far our harvest looks fantastic! The crop looks quite abundant and the quality is excellent. It is still a bit early as harvest gets into full swing in October but it does look like the fruit is ripening a bit early. Keep in mind that our olive harvest is a long-term campaign. Unlike most fruit we can harvest at our leisure creating a different style product based on time of harvest.” -Thom Curry of Temecula Olive Oil Company
All the Swirl is a collections of thoughts and opinions assembled by the staff and industry friends of Charles Communications Associates, a marketing communications firm with its headquarters in San Francisco, California. We invite you to explore more about our company and clients by visiting www.charlescomm.com.