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126 WINES&VINES January 2017 VINTAGE 2016 The French Leader in Barrel Alternatives Over 1000 wineries in France and hundreds worldwide benefit from VINEA enological oak quality, consistency, and performance. Jean-Christophe Varron, the owner and founder, pioneered barrel alternatives in France and has over 20 years of experience in adjuncts. VINEA French oak adds volume, length, and layered flavor/aromatic components to your wine for elegant barrel-like results. Guaranteed naturally air-dried Available in VINICERAM ™ ceramic radiant or classic fire toast, VINEA offers a complete collection of alternatives to address your needs at any point in the winemaking process: tank staves • segments • barrel inserts • chips For more information on the VINEA range of oak tools, pricing, and to obtain samples for trial, please contact: THE BOSWELL COMPANY (415) 457-3955 staff@boswellcompany.com www.boswellcompany.com tions in September and cool, rainy conditions in mid-October slowed harvest. Harvest for most ended the second week of No- vember, but grapes were still being picked after Thanksgiving. Rapid canopy growth led to some mildew, but it was not a big prob- lem for most. Some areas dropped infected fruit and did significant leaf stripping to gain control. Early growth and heat resulted in rapid population de- velopment, causing some grow- ers to treat for spider mites. Yields were above average by a significant margin this year. This was driven by exceptional set and cooler post-véraison tem- peratures. Demand appears strong with smaller and/or high- tier producers. More growers are utilizing har- vesters with onboard destem- mers, and winemakers are very happy with quality of fruit deliv- ered. Optical sorters are also being utilized more. Smaller pro- ducers (wineries) are warming up to mechanical harvesting. Labor was in short supply for all ag with upward price pressure to keep a work force in place. Most growers are mechanizing some tasks that have been done by hand. Water is not an issue. Tank space is an issue we got through logistically with extended harvest, but in a condensed year we would have to have made changes to harvest practices. ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Some varieties needed thinning 50% or more to get balance at 6-8 tons per acre. Paul Vandenberg Owner and winemaker Paradisos del Sol Zillah, Wash. Merlot flows from a tank at Andrew Will winery in Vashon Island, Wash.