Harvest 2019

Quite a year. The grapes were several weeks later than "normal" (whatever that is) this year, and then much of the region was hit with a sharp freeze while still early in the harvest season. The freeze ended further ripening and also did some interesting things to the fruit itself. It's fairly unprecedented (one grower I talked to recalled something similar in the early '80s) and there's a lot of chatter amongst the industry about what the fallout might be.


We sold three ton of Chardonnay to Golden Ridge Cellars in Walla Walla and were lucky enough to get it off the vines several days before the freeze. The sugars were lower than in previous years (23.2 brix) but the fruit looked and tasted great and I'm sure will make terrific wine. Thanks Mike & Cindy, looking forward to tasting the end product!

There was just under half a ton of Chard left over, which we picked immediately after the freeze. But the freeze caused the acids to abruptly drop out and eventually the decision was made to dump this lot. No big deal.

We also picked the Cab Franc a couple days after the freeze. It seemed like the acids had also dropped but then recovered somewhat before harvest. Weird. Two ton went to Beaumont Cellars, which has taken our Cab Franc for six years now, and although the numbers were head-scratching the juice looks and tastes phenomenal. Who knows? Might end up being a great vintage notwithstanding. Thanks again to Pete & Katie for your support.

Anyway, another year in the books and lots of fun?, or at least satisfaction. Had a little fiesta on the crush pad with friends/neighbors/workers after the last grapes were in the bins. Made it all worthwhile.