Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/101495
NORTHWEST Washington VINTAGE 2012 2011. Overall quality is excellent. The state seemed to be enveloped in smoke in early September, but no adverse effects have been reported. Brix levels high, and growers reported harvesting good quality fruit. Demand is growing for Rhone bloom reduced fruit set by about 10%20%. The 2012 growing season ended up at 2,600-2,805 growing degree-days. Pests/diseases: No major issues of pest/ disease pressure were recorded. Supply/demand: The price per ton varied based on variety, but generally did not differ significantly from previous years. Logistics: Water was not an issue in Southern Oregon, even though the season was quite dry. Varieties: In addition to Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon seems to be successful with its Rhone varieties and one Spanish grape, Tempranillo. Dr. Gabriel Balint Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center Washington Final total tonnage estimate at more than 200,000 tons and certain to be all-time record for Washington due to both new acreage coming into production and recovery of blocks damaged by cold in Weather: This vintage saw the second coldest June, one of the warmest Augusts, virtually no rain from the end of June to the end of harvest and some areas hit by severe hail. The fall killing freeze didn���t come until mid-November. Pests/diseases: Washington continues to be relatively free of pests. Supply/demand: Even with a record crop, overall demand has remained strong. Demand varied by variety, price and region, but the crop found a home in 2012 Technology/techniques: One large winery has implemented the use of interactive web-based software to aid in harvest logistics. Overall this seemed to work well. Logistics: Many wineries were short fermentor space. A mild fall eased logistics. Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon continues to see strong demand and increased sales at certain price points. Riesling has tipped to a slight over supply. Vicky Scharlau Director, Washington Association of Grape Growers Owned and operated by third generation grape growers, S & L Vineyards supplies bulk grapes, juices and wines to large and small wineries. Grown in Lodi/Woodbridge and the Sierra Foothills where the climate is warm and dry in the summers and cool and moist in the winters, our premium wine grapes are harvested at optimum brix levels, custom processed based on customer preference and placed in cold storage. Hand selected grapes are packed in halfton cardboard containers and shipped in refrigerated trailers directly to your facility via your preferred method and carrier. S & L Vineyards can be reached at 866.214.7273 or sales@slvineyards.com SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1615 Win es & Vin es JA N UA RY 20 13 115