Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/619725
January 2016 WINES&VINES 81 most vineyards averaged a 20% to 40% drop, mostly from poor set due to cool temperatures causing a prolonged bloom period. Pinot Noir was one of the varieties most impacted by poor set, with some sites having as much as a 50% to 60% loss in production. Cabernet Sauvignon yields were also greatly impacted, and the drop was more variable. The harvest of Pinot Noir began in late July for sparkling wines and mid-August for still wines. Growing degree-days for the 2015 season were slightly higher than in 2014. Daily lows were higher than normal and combined with warm days—with the exception of the bloom and set period—to result in the early harvest. A heat wave dur- ing the Pinot Noir harvest did result in greater yield losses due to dehy- dration of the berries. Most vine- yards were harvested three to four weeks earlier than normal. Due to warm and dry weather post-vérasion, bunch rot pressure was light. For most vineyards pow- dery mildew pressure was moder- ate, although some vineyards had early pressure from leaf infections that require extra attention to maintain control. Mealybug spread of leafroll virus remains a problem. Although demand was light early in the year for non-contracted fruit, demand increased as yield predic- tions came in low. Water remained a major concern. Depending on location, water lev- els have dropped in area wells, al- though for most area vineyards water was not a limiting factor. The lack of adequate rainfall for soil leaching has resulted in a buildup of salts in vineyard soil profiles. NAPA COUNTY Monica Cooper Farm advisor University of California Cooperative Extension Abnormally elevated low tempera- tures in November and December meant leaves were late to fall in 2014, although we received much- needed rain in those months, par- ticularly December. We got an early start to the 2015 growing season following a warm winter, although cool temperatures during bloom affected set in many areas. Our predicable marine layer was cbewine.com Are your Consumers Listening? Quality Talks. Give your business the attention it deserves. CBE 2016 is the business conference for your winery. Our sessions concentrate on the sales, marketing and business development issues of boutique wine makers. At CBE 2016, you will see and learn more about the exact tools and resources you need to get your label out there, expand your brand and give your wine the passionate following it deserves. 16 VINTAGE 2015 ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° We picked nearly on schedule, not early, allowing flavors to develop. The gamble paid off. Jeffrey Blair Winemaker and owner Blair Estate Soledad, Calif. Indicate if any of these special circum- stances affected you. (Select all that apply.) Wildlife or smoke taint Red blotch virus Different varieties ripening at once Pierce's disease Stuck or sluggish fermentation SPECIAL FACTORS CALIFORNIA