Washington 1996: Drink now
Severe frosts reduced yields dramatically
Weather Conditions
A rather harsh winter was followed by cool temperatures extended into the early growing season. A week-long freeze in February and cool conditions during the crucial time of set reduced the crop by 50-60 per cent in many sites. Bud-break along with flowering and set were delayed about two weeks in the Columbia Valley, and in Walla Walla set was only a few days later than normal. However, as the season progressed, there were enough warm dry weeks in July and August to ripen the fruit which remained two weeks behind normal. September finally gave daytime temperature in the 80s and the grapes ripened smoothly and experienced a longer hang time than usual. The berries were small, and the overall crop was undersized.
Best Appellations
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Best Producers
Leonetti (Seven Hills Reserve), Andrew Will (Klipsum, & R), Col Solare, L’Ecole #41, Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge, Hogue Barrel Select, Columbia Crest Reserve, Matthews (Elerding Vyd Reserve), Hyatt, Woodward Canyon, DeLille, Hedges Red Mountain Reserve, Bookwalter, Columbia Crest Reserve, Soos Creek, Canoe Ridge, Harrison Hill, Kiona Reserve
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