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January 2017 WINES&VINES 125 VINTAGE 2016 average, and through fall we saw mild and op- timal weather. Low to average disease pressure was experi- enced this year. Little and infrequent rain with low humidity may explain the low powdery mil- dew pressure. An early leaf-removal technique aided in re- ducing powdery mildew but may lead to in- creased incidence of sunburn in some varieties. By the end of the season, most win- eries reported full tanks and barrels. OREGON Patty Skinkis Viticulture extension specialist and associate professor Oregon State University The yield in 2016 was considered average for the state. The past two vintages (2014 and 2015) were very large for Oregon. Growers re- ported 20%-40% lower total yields in 2016 from the prior year, depending on region. The state experienced a warm spring leading to early bud break and bloom. Bloom time weather in late May/early June was variable across the state, leading to variable set, but it was one of the earliest bloom dates in recent years. Early summer was mild, and August was hot. Be- cause of the early start to the season, harvest was early, starting in late August and being mostly completed by late September to early October. Quality is good. The 2016 season was a relatively typical year with respect to disease pressure (powdery mil- dew) and required close attention to spray pro- grams to maintain prevention of powdery mildew. The dry conditions in August and Sep- tember led to clean fruit at harvest. Labor availability is a growing issue for produc- ers each year. With the shift in crops in the Wil- lamette Valley, there seems to be greater pressure on the labor force as other crops com- pete with grapes for those workers. WASHINGTON Vicky Scharlau Executive director Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers Washington overall saw very high quality with above-average yields (some as high as 25% or more). Winemakers are happy with quality of the wine at this point. Crop levels were up for most varieties due to set and cooler temps after véraison. Spring was reminiscent of 2015: early bud break and above-average temperatures. Con- ditions at bloom were favorable for excep- tional set. June cooled off, but overall degree-days were ahead of average and simi- lar to 2013 and 2014. Harvest started in early August and progressed rapidly. Cooler condi- ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Late véraison and a potential for low phenolics. Extraction method- ology had to be monitored closely, and we increased cap manipulation to alleviate this potential issue. Florent Merlier Winemaker Van Duzer Vineyards Dallas, Ore.