Sonoma County Winegrape Harvest Update: Sept. 7, 2007

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Friday, September 7, 2007 2007 Sonoma County Winegrape Harvest Report
Gathered by Larry Levine, 707-522-5863

Overall: Early harvest reportedly parallel to 2004 harvest. Growers have had a positive response from wineries with fruit intake with some wineries at or near capacity. A comment made of squeezing a normal six week harvest into three weeks. Record early harvesting of Cabernet Sauvignon noted in Northern Sonoma. Sauvignon Blanc has been disappointing countywide in terms of low yields/cluster weights but showing excellent flavor and varietal character. Merlot cluster weights are less than expected. Overall average yield reduction 15% to 50% lower than 2006 harvest. Consistent heat this week accelerated harvest. With fog today, should help slow things down. Cluster weight lower as some dehydration started in some of the varieties (fog could help slow this).. Several areas reported that quality is “excellent” across all varieties.

Some Sonoma County Wine Region Reports

Alexander Valley: This week harvested Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Next week reds accelerating.

Russian River Valley: Finished all sparkling grapes with no break into still wines. This week harvested Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Next week Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Sonoma Valley: Have picked and will continue to pick in varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Dry Creek Valley: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Next week continue with Chardonnay, Merlot and Zinfandel. Sonoma Valley: Have picked and will continue to pick in varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Sonoma Coast: Pinot Noir is picking as predicted. Last year was a bumper crop, and is approximately down 30-35% from 2006 harvest actual delivered tons. Next week continue to pick Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Carneros: Done with sparkling grapes. Next week starting still Pinot Noir and early ripening Chardonnay clones.