Is 2017 a good year for California wine?
I found numerous 2017 reds that I think are excellent quality despite the troublesome hot weather during the growing season and the devastating fires in October. I tasted about 1,100 wines from Northern California over the last five months and I continue to like the 2017s, especially from Napa Valley.
Is 2015 a good year for California wine?
Almost everyone agrees that the quality of the grapes that made it to the winery in 2015 was exceptionally high. The problem was the yields were low, especially when compared to the giant harvests of 2012, 2013 and 2014. The shortage began in the winter where dry and warm conditions led to smaller clusters of grapes.
Is 2014 a good year for California wine?
For California, the 2014 vintage was small but fantastic. The region enjoyed a long, steady growing season with few hiccups despite a large earthquake in August. … The relatively steady and uneventful growing season led to an early harvest. In general, the resulting wines were extremely good with some starry standouts.
Is 2016 a good year for Napa taxis?
For many Napa Valley vintners, 2016 extends a run of exceptional years for Cabernet Sauvignon to five in a row. Their only regret is that there wasn’t more fruit. … Almost every year from 2013 on has seen lower yields for Cabernet, and many believe drought is a factor, impacting the overall health of the vines.
What was the best year for California Cabernet?
Another strong decade for great cabernet in California. 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009 are considered the best vintages, producing stunning, complex red wines. But, 2006 should not be overlooked, as it created cabernets that are concentrated and age-worthy.
Is 2017 a good year for California Cabernet?
San Diego County: Overall crop yields were up by 25% with good to excel¬lent quality fruit. The 2017 vintage will be excellent for San Diego County wines. … Crop loads were very good and quality looks fantastic for the varieties that were able to ride through the heat spell — especially Cabernet Sauvignon.
Why was 2017 a good year for wine?
“The year 2017 has huge potential for aging because it has all the compounds: good tannic structure, a reasonable level of alcohol, pretty good level of acidity—you find it by this energy you find in the wine. If this character is kept during the aging, that could be a vintage that could be drinkable soon.
What is the best year of wine?
If you’re looking at what now are considered as ancient vintages, those that are at least 50 years or older, for the Left Bank, 1961, 1959, 1955, 1953, 1949, 1948, 1945, 1934, 1929, 1928, 1921 and 1900 are all stellar examples of great vintages.
Is 2015 a good year for cabernet?
Despite a year with considerable challenges and low yields, 2015 is shaping up to be a vintage of opulent, voluptuous wines with real personality and character at the top end. Beyond, that though, quality is much less consistent. Some wines show distinctly roasted notes while others lack depth.
Is 2015 a bad year for wine?
An overall hot and dry vintage, there are some drop-dead gorgeous 2015 Brunellos. But there’s also an unprecedented number of high alcohol wines clocking in at 15% alcohol by volume (abv), some even 15.5%, that lack freshness and balance.
Was 2015 a good year for Napa?
Vintage will be remembered for high quality, but low yields
The 2015 growing season in Napa Valley started out with unseasonably warm temperatures in the late winter and early spring. This resulted in an early bud break and bloom.