How Harvest 2021 is Progressing

This year was one the earliest grape harvests on record. After a cold spring, summer temperatures rose into the hundreds in July and August. This has put picking two to four weeks early. Harvesting commenced in mid August and most grapes have been picked. White grapes were picked in August and early September. Syrah has been mostly picked and some varieties, including Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon are still hanging in order for more phenols to develop. So far, it's been a pretty successful harvest with high quality, although yields are down about 30% due to lower budding in spring and scorched grapes from the heat wave. More later.

More Wines Tasted Recently

2020 A to Z Oregon Rosé ($14.98 - Super 1) - This is another surprise winner. Composed mostly of Sangiovese, it presents a brilliant copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, red currant, tangerine, pink roses, cherry blossoms and pink incense. The flavors are nicely fruited, accented by grape skins, cherry stones and minerals. The back picks up strawberry and cherry liqueurs and recurring tangerine peel, followed by a juicy, well delineated finish. Lynn: 3 stars, highest rating. 18.5+/20 points. 

2020 Duck Pond "Natural" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($15.99 - Albertson's) - Here, Natural indicates sustainably grown grapes. This young wine shows a brick red color and rich aromas of strawberry, cherry, red currant, red roses, bayberry and lightly spiced incense. The medium bodied flavors are supple and accessible yet interesting, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, black tea and earth. The back picks up pressed berries, kirsch and cassis liqueurs and toasted nuts, followed by a smooth soft tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Reserve ($14.99 - Albertson's) - This Grenache dominated wine shows a purplish ruby color and engaging aromas of raspberry, currant, blueberry, rosebuds, lavender and rosemary. The flavors are up front with copious red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cola, black tea and earth. The wine gains intensity on the back with pressed berries, roasted nuts, framboise and cassis liqueurs, followed by a juicy pepper-dusted moderate tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2020 Louis Jadot Macon-Villages Chardonnay ($13.99 - Albertson's) - This offers a brilliant lemon-gold color and attractive aromas of apple, white peach, citrus, apple blossoms and acacia flowers. The flavors are fresh, pure unoaked Chardonnay, with notes of grape skins, peach stones and granitic minerals. The back picks up Calvados and pêche liqueurs, followed by a crisp, lively finish. 18/20 points. 

2019 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages ($13.99 - Safeway) - From a successful vintage for Beaujolais, this shows a purple-crimson color and engaging aromas of strawberry, currant, red roses, red spring flowers and savory herbs. The flavors are ripe and juicy, yet substantial, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cola and earth. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs and toasted nuts on the way to a moderate tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Domaine de Montille Monthèlie Premier Cru, Les Duresses ($52.99 - wine.com) - Monthèlie is situated between Volnay and Meursault. Most of the wine is red, but this is an exceptional white. It exhibits a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of Bosc pear, white peach, pineapple, grapefruit, pear tree blossoms, acacia flowers, wisteria and white incense. The flavors are vivid, almost laser-like, yet viscous, with pure Chardonnay fruit, marked by pear skins, peach stones and granitic minerals. The resonance continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs, followed by a lingering finish. Shows superb balance throughout. 19+/20 points.

2019 Langlois Chateau Sancerre ($24.99 - Albertson's) - This is the first time I have ever seen a Sancerre in a supermarket. This is a fine example of Upper Loire Sauvignon Blanc. It shows a light lemon-gold color and intriguing aromas of Anjou pear, white peach, gooseberry, citrus, pear blossoms, meadow flowers, cut grass and white pepper. The flavors are crisp and lively, with notes of grape and pear skins and calcareous minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and hazelnut, followed by a crisp finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Boutari Moschfilero ($19.99 - wine.com) - This Greek white offers a brilliant lemon-straw color and intriguing aromas of pear, peach, orange, pear blossoms and Mediterranean flowers and grasses. The flavors are crisp, yet well textured and delineated, with notes of grape skins, peach stones and minerals. On the back, the wine rounds out, yet stays focused, with pressed fruits, toasted hazelnuts and pear and peach liqueurs followed by a crisp, nicely fruited light alcohol (11.5%) finish. 18+/20 points.

2017 Seméli Nemea Reserve ($26.99 - wine.com) - Produced from the Agiorigitiko grape, this Greek red shows a deep ruby color and rich aromas of raspberry, cherry, prune, black roses, mulberry, tobacco, cedar and incense. The flavors are ample yet substantial, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark chocolate, black tea and minerals. On the back, the wine turns supple textured yet chewy, with pressed fruits, cherry liqueur and a bit of recurring prune juice, followed by a ripe moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.