Untitled

2010 in review, outlook to 2011 vintage



It’s finally here, but will it stay for good?…the sun that is. With the 2011 growing season starting off very similar to 2010, the coolest summer on record for Sonoma County in recent years. Many vineyard managers and winemakers alike are scratching their heads. As shown in the 2010 Grape Report for Sonoma County, much of the fruit grown was lost to shattering when the canopy was heavily trimmed in hopes of greater exposure to the sun….only to be dwarfed by the rain. The cool summer forced many growers to adjust their practices to reach a crop that would express all the fine nuances of the vineyards. Some were met with great success while others were not so lucky. What did come from the season was increased quality and concentration of must, lower alcohols, great color and preferred acidity structures. The lengthy, cool growing season of 2010 allowed for greater acid retention in the berries and extended the time for flavor development, all without the higher sugar levels associated with warmer conditions. This slower ripening at a cooler temperature resulted in the harvest being physiologically ripe with fully matured tannins, but with lower sugar and alcohol levels overall making them more food-friendly and suited to an ample array of pairings.

Zinfandel, Estate Oldvine Bud Break 2011 We won’t be able to see the true fruit of our labor until the vintage matures in upcoming years, but we are optimistic 2010 will result in very balanced wines with great potential. Will the 2011 vintage follow in the challenging footsteps laid before it by the previous year? Alternatively, will this summer turn out to be another exceptional vintage like that of 2005 or 2007? With it already being the second week of June and this is the first real glimpse of summer we have seen thus far, optimism is running high in the county and the jury is still out. One thing is for sure, it will be interesting to see how this growing season will undoubtedly change vineyard management practices, but in which ways and will it benefit the fruit? These are questions we will not fully be able to answer until the season progresses, so here’s to hard work, high hopes and a successful  2011 Vintage! ~ Chris

• Link