Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent and ongoing wildfires across California and the West Coast in general. In mid-August, remnants of an eastern Pacific tropical storm brought intense thunderstorms and a record number of lightning strikes to much of California, including to bone-dry areas officially in moderate or severe drought. The resulting fires include the ‘SCU Lightning Complex’ and ‘LNU Lightning Complex’ blazes in the Coast, which have become the second and third-largest ever recorded in California. We have seen fires erupt elsewhere in the state in recent days, as well as in Washington state and Oregon.
Even though in many cases there was no direct physical damage to vineyards or processing facilities, smoke and smoke exposure concerns have – in the past three weeks – had a substantial effect on our industry and the decisions that are getting made.
The consequences are being felt by – mainly Coastal – growers and the bulk wine market:
- Indicative of how widespread the concern is regarding the impact of smoke, there is currently a backlog of laboratory testing for smoke taint – with turnaround times of up to 30 days or more in some instances – just at a time when Brix levels on some varietals mean they are ready to pick now.
- In the past two weeks the bulk market has been as busy as we have seen it in the past three years, active across all categories of 2018 and 2019 bulk wines, as buyers become more sceptical about the availability of bulk wine on the market moving forward.
Let’s not forget that – amid this smoke issue and the continuing pandemic – a harvest is still underway. Many steps are being taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 as we go through crush but, inevitably, we are still seeing the odd outbreak here or there. Overall, the 2020 crop currently seems to be coming in lighter than average.
Harvest in the North Coast is running up to two weeks early, is approximately 30% complete and looks lighter than average. Progress has slowed while many growers and wineries wait for smoke testing results; we are not seeing many growers pick if they do not first have a lab result. The Central Coast is a little more advanced, with some growers having already completed their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir harvests; in some cases, Chardonnay is already at or near required Brix levels.
The Interior is approximately 50% through harvest. In Lodi, picking of the white grapes is largely complete, much of the Pinot Noir is done, and Syrah and Zinfandel are starting to roll in. The whites in the southern Valley have been picked. Timing in the Interior feels normal and the yield appears lighter than average, with Pinot Grigio maybe the least light.
Read on for more details on smoke, plus its impact on pricing and activity levels on the bulk market. This year has proved to be a challenging one – to say the least! – but don’t hesitate to get in touch so that we can help you navigate the craziness. Fell free to call to bounce ideas off us. One thing’s for sure: After such a testing year, we will all start the next one all the tougher. Good luck and have a safe and bountiful harvest!