The 2011 Napa Valley growing season got off to a slow and late start with La Nina conditions delivering a cool and wet spring.  Unsettled weather continued into late spring and early summer which caused shatter during bloom and reduced yields in many vineyards. 

The wet ground invigorated vines and growers were busy this summer keeping the vegetative growth in check via the practices of suckering, hedging, and leaf and lateral removal.  However, after literally getting burned after removing too much canopy in 2010, growers were cautious and conservative in leaf removal this summer. 

Many blocks needed little or no irrigation this year except for steep hillside blocks and blocks with well drained shallow soils.  A few strategic irrigations, especially post veraison, were sufficient in most cases. 

Due to the lighter crop and vigorous vines, not much thinning was required to achieve vine balance, but thinning was advised in heavier set blocks, as well as in late ripening blocks with hopes that a light crop will achieve optimal ripeness in this late year.

Weather was moderate for late summer, allowing for slow and steady ripening. Fortunately, no significant heat waves occurred and therefore no fruit was damaged due to heat events. This year’s harvest was one of the latest harvests on record, with earlier varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot noir coming in the second half of September. 

Significant rainfall from October 3rd through the 6th, followed by a warm drizzly day on the 10th, set up significant challenges for some blocks that had not been harvested already.  In anticipation of and in reaction to the rain, growers removed leaves in many blocks to reduce the risk of mold and to allow the sunlight that followed the rainfall to have its most significant impact on maturation of the grapes.  The rain delayed an already late Cabernet harvest, and certain blocks of Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet and other late varieties, particularly those with poorly draining soils or poor airflow, experienced some issues with mold.  Heavy and careful sorting was used to mitigate these issues.  Many blocks made it through the rain just fine, and we were blessed with a lovely second half of October allowing the harvest to finish without further issues. 

It was a challenging season, and certainly a reminder that Napa Valley is blessed to rarely have rain during the growing season as many other growing regions across the world often experience.  I have tasted many lots of wine from 2011 and have been pleased with the results.  In general, the wines are lower in alcohol with bright acidity, but very few lots taste underripe. Rather, they have nice balance and should be enjoyed by sommeliers, consumers, and critics who have been longing for a change from the super ripe style of wines Napa has become known for.  Even lovers of ripe Napa wines may appreciate this vintage for its unique character and elegance and the vintage variation that makes wine such a profound and provocative experience