Disastrous Forces

This week has not been a good one for the wine industry.

A series of cold nights has left behind frost damage across many of the best growing regions.  Josh is reporting a 20% loss of crop at Rebecca’s in the Russian River Valley.  In talking with Ed Shulz yesterday of Tonnellerie Dargaud and Jaegle, he said that his entire vineyard of Malbec had been taken out.  Those valley floor vineyards, particularly at the base of mountains, where cold air slips stealthiest and with greatest bite, have seen the most damage.

I am happy to report that the Bedrock Vineyard seems to be largely unaffected.  The two blocks of old vine Zinfandel, lowest on the hill, are showing some effect, as are the young vines where the cover-crops were unincorporated.  Outside of that though, things seem to be alright.  However, at this time of year, the amount of crop lost is merely an estimate.  Many shoots are showing some black-spotting from frost burn, something that may weaken the vine slightly, but until set occurs it will be hard to know how much crop is actually out there.  Also, those vines that have seen a lot of damage will continue to push secondary shoots that might carry some crop– this will be relatively small, but the quality should be alright if the remainder of the year goes fine.

The second bad omen is potentially more disastrous.  The second Light Brown Apple Moth has been found in a trap in Sonoma Valley.  Since it is the second, which I guess qualifies as a “light infestation,” it means that vineyards within a 1.5 mile radius will be placed under quarantine and will need to have crops inspected prior to sending them outside of the quarantined area.  Having seen the disastrous effects of the bugger while working in Australia, where they are native, I am not looking forward to seeing too many of them around here.  In the Adelaide Hills, the moth gets into the cluster, lays eggs, and generally causes damage to the grape skins.  The resulting punctured berries are the start of botrytis infections, particularly bad in tight-clustered, thin skinned varietal like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel.

Though we have not been contacted by the county yet about being in the quarantined area, the valley is small enough that it would not surprise me if we do.

All in all, not a good week for any farmer who is a control freak.