Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/437909
132 Wines&Vines January 2015 vintage 2014 quality declines, more water has to be applied to compensate. yields varied by block and ranch. if there were any serious quality problems they were isolated and not widespread. many were wor- ried about powdery mildew early in the spring, but aggressive ef- forts prevented it from doing any damage. some vineyards are being pulled and replaced by nut crops. mariPosa County: yields were definitely reduced due to a lack of water. in the mountains, there is usually no real water table like we have in the Big Valley. Drillers try to find deep cracks in the earth, through which water flows. Well output can be quite limited. hav- ing deficit irrigation through the whole season limited yields but also gave us berries that were smaller and flavors that were in- tense. We are hoping that trans- lates into some very interesting wines. monTeRey, SAn BeniTo AnD SAnTA CRuz CounTieS Larry Bettiga Farm advisor – viticulture uC Cooperative extension Bud break came early in 2014— about two to three weeks earlier than normal, depending on loca- tion. yields were generally average to above average for most vine- yards, but not as high as 2013. grapes ripened under ideal condi- tions, and harvest started earlier than normal due to the earlier ac- cumulation of heat units. tank space limitations resulted in har- vest delays and the delivery of lower yields with higher Brix levels due to extended hang time. Weather: it was warmer in 2014, resulting in more rapid ac- cumulation of heat units and an early harvest. Cold temperatures in December 2013 resulted in some spring stunting of shoot growth. Taste aromatic white wines from around the world February 7— 8 2015 Anderson Valley California For tickets & more information visit www.avwines.com Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association Presents 10th Annual International Alsace Varietals Festival toNy aLBright, Napa VaLLey ViNtNers Harvesting at mumm napa winery in Rutherford, Calif.