Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/74662
VINT A GE 2010 V I N T A G E AMADOR COUNTY Overall quality is good. Quantity was up and down, seemingly related to weather events during bloom and set. A lot of thinning was required. Weather: A rough season. Cold, with frost events through May. Wet, with weekly rains all spring. We had a heat spell in late September, then two California major rain events at the end of harvest. Supply/Demand: Prices held firm. Lower yields for Zinfandel. Higher in Barbera and Sangiovese. Logistics: Tank space was a challenge, especially as weather sped things up in late September. Varieties: There were lots of shot berries in Zinfandel, probably due to odd weather at set. Chris Leamy Winemaker, Terra d'Oro Winery CLARKSBURG Winegrape quality was very good. Reds fully ripened and had good color and concentration. The whites also had excellent structure and fully ripened—in some cases later than reds. Growers reported ton- nage levels of at least 15% below average. Weather: Spring was one of the coldest on record. Summer was also unusually cool. A few very hot days caused sunburn, while harvest weather was generally good with a few rain days. Supply/Demand: Grape prices were a little soft. Some varieties like Cabernet firmed up; Chardonnay was low as demand wasn't strong. Tools/Techniques: As more growers earn sustainability certifica- tions, attention is being focused on a number of ways to improve. Logistics: We did not have any quarantines. Available tank space at harvest was an issue. 2 0 0 9 Varieties: Cabernet and Merlot were exceptional. Petite Sirah was subject to sugar accumulation disorder, and many white and red winegrapes had sunburn. Tim Waits President, Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTIES Most white fruit made it into the winery in good condition, and early reports are that it is a very promising vintage, with good acid and alcohol balance. Overall, red fruit harvest was more difficult. Space became an issue as everything started to ripen at the same time. A series of ill-timed storms arrived in mid- to late October. Weather: The year began wet in 2010, with above-average rain- fall lasting well into May. Bud break was later than normal, and harvest began almost two weeks later than normal. Supply/Demand: The biggest problem remains poor demand for fruit. Many growers had no contracts and poor sales prospects. Logistics: European grapevine moth was detected. A skillful re- sponse resulted in few moths detected beyond the first generation. Glenn T. McGourty Winegrowing and plant science advisor, UC Cooperative Extension Quantity was down about 30% from 2009, but the quality is outstanding due to high acid levels caused by the cool summer. The sugars came into line, and it produced some exceptionally balanced winegrapes. LIVERMORE VALLEY Weather: Very cool with cold and heat waves at harvest time. Pests/Diseases: Pest pressure was minimal due to cool weather. Supply/Demand: Lower yields, slightly higher prices. Varieties: Challenges were weather-related. We had to wait it out. Jim Ryan Estate manager, Concannon Vineyard committed to your success Todd Azevedo Johnny Leonardo Andy Bivona Greg MaGill Dennis Schrapp 1101 Fifth Avenue #170 • San Rafael, CA 94901 • 415.458.5150 • fax: 415.458.5160 • ciatti.com Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2011 93