Well, Mother Nature finally decided to cut us some slack today. After five consecutive days of scorching weather (think 98-105F!!), we have finally returned to a normal Napa Valley weather pattern. It’s times like this where you really need nerves of steel.
The hot temperatures do tend to ramp up the sugar in the grapes, giving the impression of ripeness, however, sugar is not the only indicator of maturity. As the valley began to “buzz and hum” with a rush to get fruit off the vine, we visited our two Pinot Noir vineyards daily. Knowing that the fruit still needed at least another week, if not more, and we stuck it out. It is better to bring in fruit when it is ready to make “great” wine, and not harvest in a panic which often leads to merely “good” wine. It looks like our patience will pay off. So, when will we harvest? This seems to be the question that everyone keeps asking.
Here’s the report: Pinot from both ZD’s deLeuze Family Vineyard and Jim Haire’s vineyard will most likely be picked early next week. The fruit held up amazingly well, and is really starting to taste great. Chardonnay, believe it or not, holds up incredibly well in hot weather (you gotta love Chardonnay for this!!!) and probably needs another two weeks. The Chard from down south (Monterey & Santa Maria) is still at least three weeks away. Our closest Cabernet’s are ZD’s Rutherford Estate Vineyard and Vineyard 7070 in Yountville. Both may come in late next week.
This, of course, is all tentative, as things can change in a moments notice. This is what makes winemaking such an exhilarating endeavor; watching, waiting, tasting, testing, worrying and waiting some more. Finally, the time comes to ask Rafael, ZD’s vineyard manager, to ready the picking crew. Bring on the light boom, our Carneros night harvest is about to begin….
Chris Pisani
Winemaker
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