The ’09 winegrape harvest is now in full swing. We spoke with some growers in different areas over the weekend and here is what they reported. Most indicated that they didn’t think the small amount of rain we had over the weekend should have any significant affect on the harvest as long as we have sunny days this week and some wind to dry the grapes.
Jim Murphy of Murphy Family Vineyards says that he will be harvesting Chardonnay, Merlot and Muscat in Alexander Valley.
In Dry Creek Valley, Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management will be finishing up Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley and harvesting Chardonnay while starting some Zinfandel and finishing up on Sauvignon Blanc. Avtar Sandhu of Sandhu Vineyards says that he finished his Sauvignon Blanc in Dry Creek Valley
John Balletto of Balletto Vineyards will be picking Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris in the Russian River Valley.
In the Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast, Joan Griffin of Griffin’s Lair Vineyard reports that Pinot Noir is fast and furious with Chardonnay also underway. Most of the harvesting has been done at night with lights. This past Saturday the pick was foiled by thunder, lightning and off-and-on rain.
“This year our winemakers are picking more grapes at much lower sugar levels, says Griffin. “We’re seeing mature, intensely flavored fruit, with brown seeds, at lower sugars. This should mean some fantastic lower-alcohol Pinots for the ‘09 vintage. Our crop is ‘average size,’ welcome after two years of light yields.”
Steve Sangiacomo of Sangiacomo Vineyards states that the harvest is just beginning for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Carneros.
In Marin County, Mark Pasternak of Devil’s Gulch Ranch says he will be picking Pinot Noir for sparkling wine and he will be harvesting Pinot from the Skywalker Ranch in Lucas Valley (as in noted filmmaker George Lucas). The quality is “excellent” for everything so far.
Report by Larry Levine, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.
