WASHINGTON
FALL 23 / WINTER 24
J e r e m y Y o u n g, S e n i o r E d i t o r
The 2021 wine vintage in Washington State was marked by a distinctive set of challenges and notable developments. The year commenced with a winter characterized by below-average precipitation, resulting in diminished soil moisture levels. Nevertheless, bud break initiated in early March, albeit accompanied by concern among growers due to several cold nights with temperatures dropping into the 20s. Subsequently, May ushered in the bloom phase, coinciding with warm and dry weather that persisted throughout the summer months, significantly influencing the overall growing season.
The defining event of the vintage was the record-breaking heatwave that swept across the region in late June. Temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, creating what would become a central challenge for vineyard management. Despite the extreme heat, growers demonstrated effective preparedness and damage mitigation strategies, though young vineyards with shallow soils bore the brunt of the heat dome's impact.
Following the heatwave, July continued to experience above-average temperatures, necessitating adjustments in vineyard management practices, including consistent irrigation in some vineyards. While initial concerns revolved around a rapid and intense harvest due to the high heat, a shift towards cooler temperatures in September and October extended the season, providing grapes with an opportunity to achieve improved balance.
Challenges persisted throughout the vintage, with labor shortages and logistical difficulties causing disruptions in the harvesting process. The primary narrative of the vintage revolved around historically low yields, characterized by smaller berries and cluster sizes. Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, faced significant reductions in output, with most grape varieties also yielding less than anticipated. Despite expectations of diminished acidity due to the heat, reports indicated that acidity levels remained above projected levels.
Overall, despite the myriad challenges, winemakers expressed satisfaction with the quality of fruit harvested in the 2021 vintage. While yields were notably lower, especially for specific grape varieties, the prevailing quality of the wine produced remained admirable. The presence of the heat dome and the ensuing low yields became emblematic of the vintage. Growers were fortunate that the extreme heat occurred in late June, sparing the vintage from potentially more severe consequences if it happened later on in the year.
Overall, the 2021 vintage in Washington is outstanding across the board, yielding elegant fruit-forward wines with moderate levels of tannin, phenomenal structure, and mouthwatering acidity. .
Jeremy Young
Senior Editor Washington