Biodynamics

Growers

Sonoma Mountain

Harvest Reports

harvest reports

The Story Inside the Story - Viticulture and Winemaking Update

August 18, 2004 - Harvest 2004

Who'd have thought we'd get grapes in before they would light the Olympic flame? The start of the 2004 harvest was the earliest ever for Benziger. Previous to this was the harvest of 1997 on August 14th. In general, this is one of the earliest and fastest starts the North Coast has seen. As of August 16th, we have already harvested 100+ tons of Sauvignon Blanc and 20 tons of Chardonnay. On the cusp, within the next week, is another 300 tons of Sauvignon Blanc, 100 tons of Chardonnay, 25-50 tons of Pinot Noir and 10 tons of Zinfandel. We will pick our Estate Sauvignon Blanc on August 18th. Prior to this, August 26 was the earliest on our home property. The weather cooled slightly over the weekend, but more heat is predicted Tuesday and for the next 4-5 days. Things will rock!

Here is the latest by varietal:

Sauvignon Blanc - Average crop size; almost all will be harvested before September 6th. Quality potential is very high. We are two weeks+ ahead of last year.

Carneros Chardonnay - Below average crop, but larger than 2003. Champagne stock picking out 25% light. Grapes are progressing nicely. Clusters and berries small and in good shape. Quality potential is very high to excellent. We are probably still two weeks ahead of last year.

Merlot - Once thought to be a smaller crop, Merlot has sized up nicely and looks to have an average to slightly above average crop size. It has been small for the last two years. Veraison has been slow and drawn out, in fact, Cabernet Sauvignon has colored up faster and more evenly than Merlot. This is the first time we have seen this. We will go into the vineyards this week to thin out fruit that is green and behind in overall ripening. Quality potential is high. We are about a week ahead to even with last year.

Cabernet Sauvignon - Crop size is below average. Cabernet Sauvignon has gone through veraison very nicely. Clusters and berries remain small. Quality potential very high to excellent. We are still two weeks ahead.

Syrah - Crop size is less than normal. Veraison is almost complete. Quality potential high to very high.

Pinot Noir - Crop size is below average. Many grapes in the warm areas of Carneros, Russian River and Sonoma Coast are ripening rapidly. We are two to three weeks ahead of last year. How this early harvest will impact quality remains to be seen. Quality potential is very high.

Early bud break, perfect summer weather, no heat spikes to date and a small crop. God, we can't wait to make wine from these grapes! Now will the weather hold? More...

Later, Mike