Harvest Update: 23 September, 2025

With the 4th Monday of September came the beginning of autumn, and anticipation of many picks of Cabernet Sauvignon holding until October.  Bob Beckstrom who has a front yard vineyard on the north side of West Zinfandel Lane, and has provided fine Cabernet fruit to Patent since our first year, said that “ideal weather conditions, no heat spikes, and a long, slow season to mature has been a blessing.  There appears to be an abundant crop in the gravelly loam soil”. 

I like to point out  that across the street from him is Rutherford, and thanks to gentle breezes, “Rutherford dust “ envelopes the grapes, even though they are technically AVA St. Helena!

David Thompson, founder of The Napa Wine Project, described the vintage as consistent and cool to date; finally warming now so sugars are coming up.  “Pretty good vintage, without major heat spies and nice cooling nights”.

I feel it is necessary to say once again: “So far, so good”!

Photo shared by Vineyard 29

Harvest Update written by Tom Rinaldi, Patent Wines, published in Napa Valley Register