I'm hearing reports from around the state from growers who have lost 50% to 75% of their crops to frost damage. It's being covered in the media; articles in Business Journal, Napa Valley Register, Sonoma's Press Democrat and on KTVU



These pictures were posted to Flickr by a grower in the Sierra Foothills; they show the primary shoots killed by the frost.

Locally I've heard very few reports of damage. The biggest casualty appears to be Rhys, who are estimating to have lost at least half of the Chardonnay in their Horseshoe Ranch vineyard. Another vineyard that's badly affected is Eagle Point Ranch in Mendocino, which provides the fruit for the Stefania Syrah I was talking about last week. But so far most of the local growers that I've contacted are reporting little to no ill effects.

In a posting on the Wine Spectator board Paul Romero explained the unusual microclimate that protects the AVA from frost.

Share |

Growers around the state are talking about the "crazy spring of 08". From Mendocino to Santa Barbara temperatures have been fluctuating wildly. Frost has been seen in areas that typically don't suffer from it, and some areas are even predicting that it may yet snow.

Although here in the valley the weather has been quite warm - I turned the AC on for the first time this week - up in the hills the overall mean temperature has been low. Some growers are predicting that the season is running up to a month behind schedule.

Meanwhile there's been hardly any rain in the mountains since late February; some light showers are predicted over the next couple of weeks, but nothing significant, so it seems increasingly likely that the mountains will see less than 50" of rain this season. That plus a long growing season could mean exceptional quality fruit. Fingers crossed.

Share |