Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/918844
January 2018 WINES&VINES 61 VINTAGE 2017 How would you characterize the average quality of the 2017 harvest? GRAPE QUALITY Excellent Good Poor Normal CALIFORNIA How would you describe the average yields of the 2017 harvest? Somewhat reduced Record crop Little to no crop Average CALIFORNIA GRAPE YIELD Above average wave in early September had the most impact on Pinot Noir, caus- ing berry dehydration. Exposed fruit in many sites had increased incidence of sunburn. After the heat wave, some vineyards were stressed by the high tempera- tures and had reduced matura- tion rates. These sites required additional time to achieve fruit- maturation goals. Winter rainfall amount improved in 2017 to levels that were closer to annual averages. A mild spring re- sulted in bud break timing being closer to normal, ranging from late February to mid-March. A pro- longed heat wave produced record temperatures during early Septem- ber and caused the heat-related problems of dehydration and berry sunburn in some vineyards. After the heat wave, dry and warm conditions stayed for the remainder of the harvest period. Harvest began in late August for sparkling wines and early September for still wines. The September heat wave acceler- ated the rate of harvest in early ma- turing varieties such as Pinot Noir. As is typical of the cooler coastal areas, powdery mildew pressure is high. With adequate rainfall, strong shoot growth required additional canopy management to reduce canopy density and improve spray coverage. Compared to 2016, final powdery mildew incidence levels were much lower for the 2017 sea- son. Due to the heat wave in early September and the lack of rainfall during harvest, Botrytis bunch rot levels were low. Mealybug popula- tions remain a concern, as vine- TANNINS MEGAZYME ASSAY KITS YEAST NUTRIENTS YEAST & BACTERIA VISIT US AT UNIFIED WINE & GRAPE SYMPOSIUM® BOOTH #302