It really is going to be a strange vintage for everyone up and down California. A very cool season caused almost everyone to thin their canopies more than usual (remove leaves so the grapes have more access to sun/heat exposure). Last week, the state was unexpectedly hit with several days of blistering heat. Edna Valley, a usually mild/cool climate, hit as high as 114 degrees. Unfortunately, the grapes that had been exposed were severely damaged or lost. Stories started to trickle in of vineyards losing crops. We did not escape the nightmare entirely. We didn't lose crop, but we did see some water loss and heat damage on our pinot, prompting us to check the numbers and, ultimately, pick the pinot. I definitely think it was the right decision. The pinot looks great and the numbers are good. I am very thankful that mother nature cut us a break this time. Our Chardonnay is holding up like a champ. Barely even showing signs of having gone through the dramatic weather shift. A few more weeks on the Chardonnay and it will be ready to go.
