By Robert Farmer
Wineries throughout Napa Valley have got that happy feeling–not just
because it’s harvest time, which always brings a smile, but because the
harvest this season is looking particularly good–as good, in fact, as
it’s looked in a long long time.
The official (and unofficial) word among vintners is that the 2007
harvest season, which got under way about three weeks ahead of
schedule, is shaping up to be the strongest harvest for Napa in at
least a decade. This according to early reports in the industry and
according to a panel of growers convened by the Napa Valley
Grapegrowers.
Fewer heat spikes and an unusually cool
summer have meant that vines didn’t require as much water as they might
typically absorb. The relatively mild conditions were ideal for
producing vines with smaller clusters and small berries that contain
highly concentrated flavors. Translation: intensely flavored wine in
the bottle. From sparkling wines to pinots to cabs, winemakers are
hopeful that the 2007 vintage will be one of the record books (can you
say, 90-plus?).
Much of the sparkling wine grapes have
already been brought in, while most red varietals are expected to be
picked well into October. As harvest continues, now might be the
perfect time to start getting in on futures of your favorite.
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