Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/619725
78 WINES&VINES January 2016 VINTAGE 2015 C alifornia growers and vintners appeared to have the most problems with fruit set, as many reported losses of 20% to 50%. The issue appeared to be most pro- nounced in the state's Central Coast. One grower in the region described the 2015 vintage as "a disaster." EL DORADO, AMADOR, CALAVERAS AND TUOLUMNE COUNTIES Lynn Wunderlich Farm advisor University of California Cooperative Extension Average to lower yields (in some cases much lower) producing smaller berries with concentrated flavors and saturated color made the Sierra Nevada Foothills 2015 vintage scramble to get yet an- other compressed and early har- vest in. It was worth it for winemakers. Yield variation was driven by irrigation water availabil- ity (be it district or well) and variety. Harvest was slightly earlier than 2014, topping the "earliest anyone can remember" record, beginning in late July to early August for some. A moderate mildew year, spurred by much-needed spring showers, took some by surprise. For those with water, decent cano- pies prevailed to offer respite from late season burn. Between 21 and 22 inches of rain recorded Oct. 1, 2014, and May 18, 2015, with a few showers dur- ing the rest of the growing season, gave rainfall totals similar to the previous year, but not enough to recharge groundwater. Patches of spring frost and hail, then warm weather followed by cool tempera- tures, reduced yields in some blocks and created uneven unifor- mity in berries in others. Tempera- tures in the low to upper 90s in August and September pushed harvest with unpredictable variety ripening order. Spotty April rains brought just enough moisture to get powdery mildew started, affecting some blocks. Some growers reported high esca incidence. Mites and Vir- ginia creeper leafhopper appeared in especially drought-stressed blocks. Red blotch virus is not un- common, but no immediate answers. Variety and location affected yields, with some wells feeling the drought at 20%-40% reported yield loss. Coulure was reported in El Dorado Grenache, while the deep granitic soils of the Shenan- doah Valley held average tonnage for Zinfandel and Primitivo. Prices held steady to slight increase. Water and labor are the two issues facing Foothills producers. Some are considering switching from head- to cordon-trained in order to facilitate possible mechanical har- vesting in the future, a conse- quence of dwindling labor. The Sept. 10 Butte wildfire affected only a handful of vineyards directly, and thankfully began after many blocks had been harvested. So far, no ill effects from smoke on wine quality reported. FRESNO COUNTY George Zhuang Viticulture farm advisor University of California Cooperative Extension Yield was average or slightly higher than last year. Quality might be an issue for some of the growers. The season started earlier with diseases and pests starting earlier as well. Vines faced high vine mealybug pressure this year. Prices on the spot market were poor, and de- CALIFORNIA ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Mother Nature drives the bus; we're just along for the ride! I believe because we push later than almost everyone, we missed the majority of the dicey spring weather. Phil Starr Winemaker and owner Sierra Starr Vineyard & Winery Grass Valley, Calif. How would you characterize the average quality of the 2015 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? GRAPE QUALITY Good Excellent Poor Normal How would you describe the average yields of the 2015 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? GRAPE YIELD Somewhat reduced Record crop Little to no crop Average CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA