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VINTAGE 2013 WINE'S FIRST PERFECT CLOSURE TM Choose the VinPerfect SmartCap for your next botling and taste the difference with precise post-botling oxygen control. ORDER TODAY sales@vinperfect.com 707-252-2155 Rob Schultz examinines grapes at Stoller Family Estate in Dayton, Ore. country experienced severe early season frosts that ravaged vineyards. The Texas High Plains, which produces the most wine grapes in the state, lost 80% to 90% of its potential yield. Vineyards that escaped the frost were then pummeled by hail in May. More than half the wine grape crop in Colorado was lost to extreme cold in the winter as well April freezes. In New Mexico, a dry start to the season followed by late frosts reduced the state's crop by more than half. The drought conditions in New Mexico also are thought to have triggered more pressure from flea beetles that defoliated vines. Arizona growers had to contend with a surprising lack of sunshine and some late-season rainstorms that led to bunch rot. Despite the cooler and wetter weather, Arizona growers were still happy with grape quality. In many regions, growers and vintners dealt with a shortage of available tanks. The issue has come up in other years, but with varieties ripening around the same time in many parts of California and Washington, it was especially problematic this year. A rush to plant grapes in British Columbia has created an oversupply issue. "Over the last four to five years, orchards have been pulled due to low prices, and this acreage has been planted mainly to wine grapes, mostly uncontracted," said Richard Cleave, the owner of Phantom Creek Vineyard and a consulting viticulturist. "Now that they are coming into production, the problem is compounding," On the East Coast, conditions were reported as excellent nearly everywhere thanks to the drier-than-normal summer and fall. In New Jersey, 2013 was likened to the 1978 vintage of Bordeaux, which wine writer Harry Waugh dubbed "the miracle year" due to its rocky start. North Carolina, however, had reached its annual average rainfall total by mid-July. Some waterlogged vines died, and achieving ripeness was especially hard. A dry September helped growers salvage what fruit had survived the wet summer. Wines & Vines thanks those who participated in this year's survey. If your region was not included, and you'd like to contribute to the report next year, contact us at edit@winesandvines.com. • Precise Post-Botling Oxygen Control • Enhanced Aromatcs • Chlorine & TCA Free • 100% Recyclable • Short Lead Times • No Minimums • Complete Customizaton • Laser-Etched Cap-Tops • Embossed Cap-Tops • Top and Side Printng • Custom Color Matching Call our sales team or request a quote online. Make the switch to VinPerfect Screwcaps and gain a closure partner for life. www.vinperfect.com/order WINE'S FIRST PERFECT CLOSURE 831 Latour Court, Suite B1 Napa, CA 94558 p 707.252.2155 f 707.252.2166 vinperfect.com facebook.com/vinperfect See us at Unified booth #2514 Win es & Vin es ja n ua ry 20 14 109