Harvest 2015 Update #7

“This week we started picking chardonnay in Oakville. Although our merlot has ripened to a good sugar level, we are waiting for secondary ripeness characters such as thinning skins and dark berry flavors before it gets picked. However, merlot is being harvested from other Oakville sites this week. Yields this year are lighter than average across the board. Flora Springs winemaker Paul Steinauer believes the lighter yields are due in part to the strong yields in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons. Vines will need a break eventually. The uneven weather at bloom further reduced yields by causing berry shatter, when flowers fail to develop berries. This means loose, light clusters which isn’t bad for quality but does reduce yields.”

— Molly Hodgins, Flora Springs Viticulturist

Read the full article here.