Harvest Report – 18 September 2024
In general terms, harvest for the Spring Mountain District AVA has been going very well. The chemistry is still holding with good sugars, balanced acidities and lower pHs. Sugars are maybe a tad ahead of the flavors, which is why most are using the cool weather for additional hang times. Both Matt Gardner at Keenan and Smith-Madrone can see crossing the finish line next week. Sheldon Richards is about a third done and is also taking advantage of the cooler weather for more hang time and planned to restart harvest on Wednesday. Andy Schweiger has finished his Merlot and Cabernet Franc and is also taking advantage of the cooler weather for more hang time for his grapes and to get much-needed cellar work done. With his white grapes all in, Wes Steffens at 7 & 8 might harvest some red grapes by the end of this week. Frank Schaefer at York Creek Vineyards is chafing at the bit just to start picking grapes of any kind.
Written by Stuart Smith, Smith-Madrone Winery, published in Napa Valley Register
Photo: Schweiger Vineyards
