harvest reports
All Red
To My Friends:
Unusual and abnormal are the only words I can think of that describe this harvest. Don't get me wrong, quality so far looks very good. But, no one can remember when the last time reds came in before many of the whites! We have picked, but have not completed Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Malbec, Barbera and Cabernet. The reason for the accelerated growth rate for reds is last year's dry winter which encouraged an early bud break and one of the warmest springs in history. Since our red grapes are in warmer areas, the effect was more dramatic on the reds than with the whites.
As of September 8, we had picked 1,053 tons, compared to 260 tons, at the same time, last year. On September 9 we will have completed the Sauvignon Blanc harvest for 2001. Chardonnays out of Carneros are just starting.
What we thought was going to be an above average harvest in terms of tonnage, looks so far to be about 5-10% below average. That's a relief.
Red grapes nearing the end of fermentation.
Benziger Family Vineyards
Sonoma Mountain, September 10, 2001