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86 WINES&VINES January 2016 VINTAGE 2015 T he 2015 harvest also came early for grow- ers and vintners in the Northwest, but un- like their neighbors to the south, they didn't have to contend with poor set or equally bad drought conditions. Oregon appears to have enjoyed a stunning vintage. BRITISH COLUMBIA Richard Cleave Owner and manager Phantom Creek Vineyard Overall yields were down 15% to 20%, but quality was exceptional for both reds and whites. 2015 was a very dry and sunny year. The end of July and August were too hot at times. Harvest was well spread out, dry and sunny. All varieties ripened approximately two weeks earlier than normal. No change in grape prices; Caber- net Franc and Syrah were short of demand, and Chardonnay and Merlot slightly over demand. Later red varieties did exceptionally well this year. No labor problems as we are al- lowed to bring in offshore workers. Because yields were down some- what, and harvest was well spread out, there were few tank space problems. IDAHO Moya Dolsby Executive director Idaho Wine Commission Overall quality was exceptional: concentrated flavors with small berries. Some winter damage oc- curred, causing smaller yields, pre- dominantly in the Snake River Valley AVA and at higher elevations in the Lewis-Clark Valley. Lower elevations in Lewis-Clark Valley saw normal fruit yields, small ber- ries, low acids and normal sugars. The growing season came on early and ended early. Consistent warm weather from mid-June through July for Snake River Valley, and starting mid-July for Lewis-Clark Valley. Crop yield in Snake River Valley was dominated by Novem- ber 2014 freeze and record lows. Heat in Lewis-Clark AVA caused smaller berry sizes overall. Snake River Valley saw some powdery mildew issues, where Lewis-Clark Valley saw a decrease in powdery mildew. Lewis-Clark Valley saw high wasp, yellow jacket and bee issues with early ripening. Demand for almost all Idaho grapes was strong, leading many Idaho wineries to look outside the state. Labor was an issue in Lewis-Clark Valley due to varietals ripening within four weeks of one another. NORTHWEST Harvested Cinsault is received at Cinder Wines in Garden City, Idaho. How would you characterize the average quality of the 2015 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? GRAPE QUALITY Excellent Poor Normal Good How would you describe the average yields of the 2015 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? Above average Little to no crop Record crop Average GRAPE YIELD Somewhat reduced NORTHWEST NORTHWEST