California grape harvest delayed

 

Whereas veraison has started early here, in California they are expecting it to be up to three weeks later than usual. The growing season is still running 3-4 weeks behind in many areas of the state, particularly on the Coast. Veraison was not apparent anywhere by the first week of July, which is expected. 

Because of delayed harvests, combined with unseasonably cool spring, heat spikes, and seasonal rains, few experts have been brave enough to predict this year’s anticipated results. It's gotta be tough to staff up with seasonal labour when the results are unpredictable. 

A slow start has both negative and positive connotations. Great vintages tend to come in long cool seasons. The longer, milder season helps to really develop the terroir they say.  They are saying that this year's season approximates what Napa was like before climate change really kicked in. The finale is almost as important as the entire season and so a heat spike would help with ripening. We'll see.

We've got lots of evidence of Autumn arriving early this year. Leaves are turning colour already. The trees are covered in berries. I hope that doesn't mean our harvest will come early as we are not prepared.