Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62409
VINT A GE 2011 new growth appears following springtime frost events along California's Central Coast. V I N T A G E AlAmedA CounTy Quality was great because of the lower sugars and high acidity. Yields averaged about three tons per acre. Weather: Very trying due to a really cool spring and summer, but overall quality is going to be very good. Supply/Demand: Grape prices are up slightly. Varieties: Rainfall proved a little challeng- ing for Petite Sirah and Sangiovese. Jim Ryan Estate manager, Concannon Vineyard 2 0 0 9 Logistics: Early in the season, labor supply was short. This improved as the season continued. Chris leamy Winemaker, Terra d'Oro Winery mAdeRA CounTy California AmAdoR CounTy 2011 provided many challenges. Weather extremes, frost, hail and rain during bud break and berry set resulted in extreme variability in yields. Depending on location, yields could range from normal to 50% down. Overall, yields appear to be down about 25%. Quality of fruit was normal to high, with good acidity levels due to the cooler than normal grow- ing season. Weather: 2011 was a tough year for weather. We had storms and frost events all spring. The growing season was cool with rains through May, and even hail on June 1. Then we had three inches of rain in early October. Pests/Diseases: The late rains increased Botrytis pressure. Supply/Demand: Low overall yields increased demand, helping to hold prices steady. 118 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2012 Overall quality for white and red varieties was good. For many varieties, flowering and fruit set were affected by cold and wet weather. Yields in our area were down about 20% for most growers. Weather: Good winter and spring rains gave way to stretches of abnormally mild summer temperatures. Hotter weather finished the growing season. We had some rain during the harvest, which is unusual for Madera County. Pests/Diseases: Cool, wet weather throughout bud break, shoot and cluster development meant that mildew prevention and management was tricky for some area growers. darin Peterson Assistant winemaker and vineyard manager, Quady Winery mendoCIno And lAke CounTIeS Quality was mixed. Heavy rains in early October caused some real challenges in winemaking. Selective picking and no-non- sense winemaking were the rules followed by most wineries. VINA ROBLES