California 2016: ‘average’ yields ‘exceptional’ fruit

California’s 2016 wine harvest has resulted in average yields but “exceptional fruit”, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

While California continues to be affected by widespread drought, the California Wine Institute said a relatively even growing season followed winter rains had helped to minimise its impact on grape crops.

The harvest began earlier than normal, with the state’s overall 2016 wine grape crop expected to be around 3.9 million tonnes.

“It’s been a good season so far – the grapes are in great condition showcasing spectacular flavors,” said Randy Ullom, winemaster at Kendall-Jackson Wines, with vineyards in Sonoma County and statewide.

In Sonoma Ryan Decker, winegrower at Rodney Strong Vineyards, said the 2016 harvest was very similar to that of 2015, in that is started early and will finish early.

“One of the main differences – a welcome one – was the seven to 10-day break we had between the Pinot/Chardonnay harvest and the Merlot/Cabernet harvest”, said Decker. “This year we had some unseasonably cool temperatures in mid-September that put the brakes on harvest, albeit temporarily, allowing us to free up some tank space. The yields are down just a bit from the long-term average, but wine quality looks to be stellar.”

In Paso Robles, anticipated El Niño rainfall was less than hoped for (eight inches), but was still greater than in the prior four vintages of drought, said Jeff Meier, director of winemaking/president, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

“Yield projections for 2016 were slightly below long-term averages, but most varieties are coming in at or above estimates—a welcome outcome for Paso Robles growers”, Meier said.

“Overall, the vintage of 2016 is delivering high quality, high color density Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the cooler microclimates and fruit-intensive Rhone varietals.”

In 2015 California shipped an all-time high of 229 million cases to the rest of the US, representing a 60% share of the US wine market. A further 47 million cases shipped to global markets outside of the US. In total, California shipped 276 million cases worldwide.

The European Union was the top destination for US wine exports, which were worth $622 million in 2015, followed by Canada ($461m), Hong Kong ($97m), Japan ($96m), China ($56m), Nigeria ($29m), Mexico ($26m), South Korea ($23m).

“Another high quality California vintage is great news for wine consumers here and abroad who continue to drive sales of Golden State wines to record levels,” said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, CEO of the Californian Wine Institute.

“With California wine’s economic contribution of $57.6 billion annually to the state economy and $114 billion annually to the U.S. economy, it’s also excellent news for our state and nation which benefit from jobs, tax revenues, hospitality, tourism and community enhancement.”