Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/235941
VINTAGE 2013 Supply/demand: There was increased demand for Pinot Noir due to new vineyard investments. Prices increased over all, most significantly for Pinot Noir. Logistics: Labor availability is becoming more challenging in this region. Patty Skinkis Viticulture extension specialist and associate professor, Oregon State University Oregon Douglas, Josephine, Jackson counties Other regional designations: Southern Oregon According to most of the growers and winemakers, the 2013 vintage was an exceptional one in Southern Oregon. The fruit set was great, which was reflected in a significantly larger yield than normal. 120 W in es & V i ne s january 20 14 brie mullin Pests/diseases: We saw no "unusual" pest or disease. Typical concerns existed in the Willamette Valley with Botrytis at harvest. Growers managed, as they are used to dealing with this. Workers pull jacks from the sorting table at Stoller Family Estate winery in Dayton, Ore. For some white varieties such as Vermentino, the yield surpassed expectations. Many winemakers indicated that it's been years since they've seen grapes so balanced between flavor and basic chemistry. Weather: After a good start, the season was two weeks ahead by the end of August. Due to extended smoke brush fire in August—along with cool/wet weather in September—the season ended close to a normal year. Pests/diseases: Botrytis was reported in just a few varieties, affecting between 1% and 5% of the yield. Red blotch virus has been identified in a few vineyards. Supply/demand: More than 40% of the yield produced in the Rogue Valley was sold to wineries in locations farther north (Umpqua and Willamette valleys). Technology/techniques: More wireless weather stations were installed. This allowed growers to use real-time data for frost protection, water management and pest management. Logistics: The weather generated problems with contracted labor availability. Varieties: Malbec is one variety in demand. Many blocks of Merlot have been top-grafted with Malbec. Dr. Gabriel Balint Research/extension viticulturist, Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center