Crush 2010 in Walla Walla

 

Presently, I am in Walla Walla as the grape harvest gets under way. So far, most of what has been picked are whites and Merlot. Syrah will probably start coming in next week, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc a week or two later. Tero Estates harvested Merlot at the Windrow vineyard on the 29th and commented: "Merlot 26.6 brix - these berries are tasting amazing!" Ash Hollow has taken in 17 tons of Chardonnay and Merlot from Stillwater Creek. Yesterday morning, Trey Busch (Sleight of Hand) put on Facebook some beautiful pictures of Chardonnay vines at Jon Martinez' (Maison Bleue) French Creek Vineyard near Prosser.

 

I was at Waters Winery yesterday and saw some beautiful Marsanne grapes about to be crushed. In the fermenting bins were wonderful smelling Merlot grapes from the Seven Hills and Mars Hills vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Next door, at Va Piano, Syrah and Cabernet grapes were hanging on the vine in full sun. Chris Kontos (Kontos Cellars) commented on Facebook: "A few more days like this and we will have some tasty grapes after all. Almost time to turn our hands purple."

 

One reason to hope for an outstanding vintage is that the grapes are developing bright flavor profiles at lower brix levels. If the weather holds and everything goes right, this could be an awesome vintage.

 

The ten day weather forecast looks good. Temperatures in the 80's through the weekend. A few showers on Monday won't hurt so long as there is sun afterwards. The rest of the week is expected to be sunny, but at cooler temperatures, low 70's, high 60's. Forecasts for Prosser are similar, but slightly warmer.

 

Stay tuned!