Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/235941
VINTAGE 2013 gains compared to the lighter 2010 and 2011 seasons. Rarely have we seen a vintage as evenly grown and unproblematic as this one. Weather: This year's harvest started about a week earlier than 2012 due to a warmer summer and a drier spring, giving us a nearly perfect growing season. Our harvest window was wide and comfortable. Pests/diseases: It was a stress-free growing season with disease pressure being normal to slightly elevated for mildew. Supply/demand: Grape prices have climbed a small amount during the past few years, and supply is adequate. 2013 yields were unusually high in general. Logistics: The vintage came in evenly, allowing production to keep pace with picking. Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne counties Regional designations: Sierra Foothills, California Shenandoah Valley, El Dorado, Fair Play Sound and tasty fruit with beautiful color and outstanding quality characterizes an "easy" 2013 crop for the Sierra foothills. A fast and furious harvest—one of the earliest many could remember— produced slightly higher than average tonnage in most blocks. Growers and winemakers from across California's foothill counties celebrated the quality produced in 2013, with few challenges other than logistics. Varieties: This year's Petite Sirah looks to be our best in the past five years, showing amazing color and pure varietal character across all of our vineyards. Weather: Drought is a major concern following the second year of below-average rainfall; understanding site capacity is the key. Hot temperatures in July evened out by harvest; rain in September proChris Chandler vided mostly respite, not detriment, for Executive director, Livermore Valley Skolnik_Dir10_Jan10.qxd 10/19/09 10:04 AM Page 1 the vines. Winegrowers Association Pests/diseases: Mites reared their ugly heads early in some blocks and reappeared later—a nod to the hot and dry conditions. There was little to no mildew or botrytis. Supply/demand: Some growers reported an increase in demand accompanied by rising prices to reward those who worked for it. Technology/techniques: The powdery mildew risk index was available via two new Amador County stations funded by a collaborative effort. Heat limited the prevalence of disease along with diligent spraying. Challenges: The region experienced a sudden and "somewhat taxing" harvest, as the ripeness window was small. Yosemite fires made smoke a concern for vineyards at higher elevations. Some winemakers lightened up the press cycle for red wines, and a few reported actual smoke taint. Lynn Wunderlich Farm advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) S TA I N L E S S S T E E L C O O P E R A G E Provid ing l ea d i n g w i n e m akers with stainless steel barrels of high quality, durability, and design. SKOLNIK INDUSTRIES, INC. 4900 SOUTH KILBOURN AVENUE CHICAGO IL 60632-4593 PHONE 773.735.0700 FAX 773.735.7257 TOLL FREE 1.800.441.8780 HTTP://WINEDRUM.SKOLNIK.COM EMAIL: SALES@SKOLNIK.COM See us at Unified booth #1213 See us at Unified booth #1514 Win es & Vin es ja n ua ry 20 14 111