After three years of severe drought across much of California, rain has come back to wine country, and then some.
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Sonoma County, which had been hit hard by the extended drought, was deluged by 13 inches of rain between January 6 and 10, according to SFGate, the online edition of the San Francisco Chronicle. “Rolling hills and vineyards along the scenic route known as River Road were submerged Monday with just the tips of vines visible in completely flooded fields,” SFGate reported. “The Russian River in Sonoma rose to its highest level since 2006, spilling over its banks and forcing the closure of schools and roads.”
What does all this do to the vineyards? Is the rain a life-giving blessing to vineyards scorched by drought and heat? Or does the deluge threaten the vines with drowning or rot? Our friends at The California Wine Club went into the vineyards to talk to wine makers and find out.
If the heavy rains had struck in the spring, when vines are budding, the situation would have been more dire, Sonoma viticulturist Steve Dutton, owner of Dutton Ranch, told writer Judy Reynolds.
Flooded vineyard adjacent to Martin Ray Winery in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, taken January 23, 2017,by tasting room worker Kate Noble.
But even though flooding in the vineyards left some vines underwater, Dutton said, “The rainfall wasn’t historic. Some low lying vineyards saw flooding, but if it’s going to happen, this is the best time of year for it, since the vines are dormant.” Erosion can be a concern for hillside vineyards after a heavy rain, Dutton added, and workers will take quick steps after the rains to guard against further damage.
Bill Batchelor, winemaker at Martin Ray Winery in Sonoma’s flooded Russian River Valley, said the flooding and cold weather may offer another unexpected benefit. Because spring bud break will likely come later than in recent years, it may return the vines to a more “normal” growing cycle and avoid the early ripening that has posed viticultural challenges in recent years.
Looking on the bright side, Michael Quinn of Michael-Scott Wines in Napa Valley exulted after three years of drought: “It is great we are getting the water!”
To read all the interviews and see more pictures, click here to visit the California Wine Club’s blog, Uncorked.
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There are thousands of small family wineries handcrafting extraordinary wine in quantities too limited to be found in local stores or shops. In 1990 wine club founders Bruce and Pam Boring discovered that these winemaking families were the most passionate in the wine world and that their wines were the hidden gems of wine country! Together Bruce and Pam embarked on a journey to help these artisan wineries introduce their exquisite wines to the world. Learn more.
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Today’s Tasting Report
Lapostolle 2013 “Casa” Grand Selection Rapel Valley Carmenère ($10.99)
Very dark, almost blackish purple nearly all the way to a garnet edge. Blackberries and blueberries and warm brown spice on the nose and palate, leading into a full, tart black-fruit flavor framed by brisk acidity and soft tannins that gain astringency on your cheeks and palate during a long, clean finish. Only 13 percent alcohol, but there’s enough heat to make it feel like a bit more. U.S. importer: Marnier-Lapostolle Co., NYC. (Jan. 25, 2017)
FOOD MATCH: It went nicely with spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce, but if I had it to do over again, I might go with a less spicy meatball. The red peppers accentuated the otherwise reasonable level of alcohol in the wine.
WHEN TO DRINK: It’s not meant for aging, but should hold well enough for a few years under good cellar conditions, particularly under the protection of a sturdy metal cap.
VALUE:
I got a surprising deal compared with the $13 average U.S. retail price on Wine-Searcher.com, but it’s certainly a decent value under $15.
WEB LINK
Here’s the winery fact sheet for Lapostolle 2013 “Casa” Carmenère.
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Check prices and find vendors for Lapostolle “Casa” Grand Selection Rapel Valley Carmenère on Wine-Searcher.com.
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