Harvest Update: 18 September, 2025
As of mid-September, it appears all the white grapes are picked, and red Bordeaux varietals are the focus. The end of the second week was exciting in my backyard on Pratt Avenue as the Beringer Vineyard team harvested the Cabernet Sauvignon via mechanical harvester with lots of lights and noise well before sunrise.
Duckhorn winemaker Renee Ary said that “the rain was very light compared to Sonoma, and that it is ‘always a little something’. The cool summer has the harvest falling behind which is a good loss of degree days allowing more ‘hang time’. Fruit is ripening nicely, with the Sauvignon Blanc showing good acid and flavor in the tank. ‘Estate fruit is in the barn’”. She is happy with the reds on the vines thanks to “polished tannins”. She has no St Helena red fruit as of Patriot Day.
In last week’s report I failed to mention the name of the St Helena Winery winemaker/vineyard manager who I quoted, and admire: Lindsey Wallingford.
Photo shared by Battuello Vineyards
Written by Tom Rinaldi, Patent Wines, published in Napa Valley Register
Follow us on Social:
Author: Appellation Winery
Testing testing testing
