What does weather have to do with Cabernet?
Weather
Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not
Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot
We’ll weather the weather
Whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not.
As you’re all aware wine grapes, and therefore wine, are much dependent on the weather. Too much rain, too little rain, rain too soon, heat, cold, frost…all have an impact on the quality of the grapes from year to year (vintage to vintage).
Depending on where the vineyards are, grapegrowers and winemakers are dealing with too much heat or not enough heat. Most winemakers here in Northern California are predicting a late harvest - two or even three weeks later than usual but most are not terribly forthcoming on what is happening in the vineyard.
Look out! Fred Peterson is stepping up and stepping out. Fred, a long time friend, is one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to vineyards (especially Sonoma County vineyards) and he’s an awesome winemaker too.
Here’s what Fred has to say about 2010.
“Watch what you pray for… your prayers may be answered.”
After two straight years of below average rainfall and talk of drought, the late winter and spring rains more than made up the rainfall deficit.
That was the good news. Read the rest here…
As for the Cabernet Shootout, due to weather conditions, we’ve extended our deadline for the receipt of wines. We’ve heard from many of you who have been reticent to ship your wines in the incredible heat that has been plaguing the East and South. We will now be accepting wines for submission until July 23rd. Our incredible panel would love to taste your wines.
P.S. The very cool wine weathervane pictured above can be purchased through Sterling Wine Online
