Washington Harvest in Full Swing

The Washington harvest is now only 60 percent finished. That number comes from conversations in the past 48 hours with several growers, including Dick Boushey, Kent Waliser, Butch Milbrandt, Patricia Gelles and others.

The Washington harvest is now only 60 percent finished. That number comes from conversations in the past 48 hours with several growers, including Dick Boushey, Kent Waliser, Butch Milbrandt, Patricia Gelles and others.

It looks like yields are down only slightly from last year's record harvest. For example, Waliser reports his yields "very similar to last year," and Milbrandt says he has "nearly normal" tonnages. Also, Gelles says Klipsun is down only five percent, while Chris Figgins at Leonetti says they are down "just a bit … but we thin pretty hard."

With regard to quality, Boushey says: "There seems to be very good flavor development and strong color in the reds. It's a more traditional Washington vintage with good acid and manageable sugars. I think my Syrah and Merlot grapes will be outstanding. They should produce wines that have great balance and will age well."

Milbrandt says: "The cooler weather seems to have developed physiological ripeness prior to obtaining adequate sugar levels. This is unusual. We usually achieve higher sugar levels before the fruit is truly ripe. This phenomenon may produce more balanced wines with lower alcohol levels."

Waliser adds: "Sugar development is slower than last year; but green, vegetal characters are not a factor. Flavor is very good. I expect balanced wines. Merlot should be outstanding this year because it ripened a bit later when the weather was cooler."

Figgins concurred. "Quality appears very high. There is astonishing color in everything this year. And aromatics are WOW!" Figgins added that they have dodged some frost over the past few nights, but "we're in the clear now with the forecast very favorable."

Harvest should be finished by the end of next week.