As most of you know, Eastern as well as Western Washington experienced a cold, wet spring which put the grape vine growing cycle at least three weeks behind. But things are looking better now. There has been mostly fair weather with highs in the 80's, and flower bloom has already occurred in most areas. Doug Roskelley (Tero Estates in the south Walla Walla Valley) pointed out that if afternoons in the 80's continues through the summer, the development of the vines would continue to catch up.

Another factor in the outlook for this year's vintage is the deep freeze in the third week of November. Since this occurred shortly after the end of last year's protracted harvest, many vines had not yet gone into dormancy, causing much damage. In the Walla Walla Valley, the Pepper Bridge Vineyard, with its open air exposure was hard hit, as was the wind-blown Horse Heaven Hills. Damage varies from 10-20% in some areas to 80-90% in some vineyards. This means lower 2011 crop yields.

The two above factors hold hope for the outcome of the 2011 grape harvest. Grape bunch set has revealed smaller than normal clusters. If fair weather continues through the summer, followed by an "Indian Summer," there could be a low yielding harvest of concentrated fruit with deep colors and flavors. As Brian Rudin (Cadaretta, Buried Cane) put it, it's like a bases loaded situation. If the vines make it through the fall, there could be a grand slam of high quality wines. Of course, that's a big if. Let's keep our fingers crossed. More later!