2013 Growing Season Comes to a Close

2013 HarvestMother Nature delivered her share of challenges in 2013, as she always does; but overall 2013 was a more manageable season than the previous two vintages and the resulting harvest was very successful.

Bud break came early, and a warm, dry weather pattern developed into late June and continued through July.  August temperatures cooled slightly but remained warm, however, the evening temperature drops in August were much less than is typical of the Columbia Valley.  By all indications, it appeared harvest would arrive early and progress rapidly, but in mid-September, the weather cooled dramatically, slowing maturation considerably. Throughout the rest of the fall ripening advanced slowly, and the final bin of grapes made its way to the last winery on Nov. 1.

Particularly noteworthy was the small berry size of our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 2013.  This is a goal we have worked diligently to achieve over the past two years, and it was satisfying to please winemakers by delivering grapes with great color, flavor and complexity that should produce some exciting wine in the coming years.  As always, the vineyard delivered many photo ops.  Here are a few of our favorite images from the 2013 growing season.