Napa Valley 2022
NAPA VALLEY 2022: Feeling the Heat
by: JOE D'ANGELO
Growing Season
Napa Valley, renowned for its world-class wines, has produced a noteworthy vintage in 2022. This year stands for its unique climatic conditions, meticulous vineyard management, and the expertise of Napa’s winemakers. Here’s an in-depth look at the factors that shaped the 2022 vintage and what to expect from these wines. The 2022 growing season in Napa Valley was defined by several key weather patterns: Mild Winter: The year began with a relatively mild winter, providing sufficient rainfall to recharge the soil’s moisture levels. This set a solid foundation for the vines as they emerged from dormancy. Warm and Dry Spring: A warm and dry spring allowed for an even bud break and flowering period. The absence of significant frost events during this critical phase ensured that the vines could develop without major setbacks. Intense Summer Heat: The summer months were marked by a series of heat waves, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°-100°F (32°C) and excessive heat spikes in early September with some days surpassing 115° degrees. This accelerated the ripening process, putting the heat on winemakers to decide when to harvest and compelling many to begin earlier than usual. As temperatures cooled in late September and October, those who weathered the heat waves seized the chance to extend the harvest, allowing longer hang times to achieve ideal ripeness.
Vineyard Management
To mitigate the effects of the intense summer heat, vineyard managers employed several effective techniques: Canopy Management; This was a crucial strategy in 2022. Growers carefully managed the vine canopy to provide shade for the grape clusters, protecting them from sunburn and excessive heat exposure. This practice helped maintain the quality and integrity of the grapes and was the most important decision for many winegrowers in 2022. Vineyard managers also employed precise irrigation strategies to sustain vine health and ensure the grapes achieved optimal ripeness and concentration. This approach was crucial in preventing dehydration and promoting balanced growth.
Quality
The 2022 vintage is expected to produce wines with distinct characteristics, influenced by the year’s weather patterns. The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley has been excellent for Cabernet Sauvignon, reinforcing its reputation as the region’s flagship grape. The wines are characterized by firm yet refined tannins, balanced acidity, and elegance. They are well-structured, suggesting excellent aging potential, with the ability to develop further complexity over the next decade or more.
Harvest + Winemaking Techniques
The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley saw a combination of traditional practices and innovative approaches to maximize the potential of the grapes. Winemakers employed a range of techniques to ensure that the wines reflect the unique characteristics of the vintage and the terroir.
Precision Harvesting: Monitoring and Timing: Winemakers closely monitored vineyard blocks, using both manual assessment and technology to determine the optimal time for harvest. This precision ensured that grapes were picked at peak ripeness, balancing sugar, acidity, and phenolic compounds. In many high-end vineyards, grapes were harvested by hand to ensure careful selection and minimal damage to the fruit. This practice helped maintain the quality and integrity of the grapes from the vineyard to the winery.
Fermentation Techniques: Small Batch Fermentation: Many winemakers opted for small batch fermentation to allow for greater control over the process and to experiment with different yeast strains and fermentation conditions. This technique enhances the complexity and nuance of the wines. Native Yeasts: Some winemakers chose to use native yeasts for fermentation, which can impart unique flavors and better express the terroir. Native yeast fermentations are often slower and more variable, adding layers of complexity to the wine. Temperature Control: Precise temperature control during fermentation was crucial, especially given the high sugar content of the grapes from the hot summer. Cooler fermentation temperatures were used for whites to preserve fresh, fruity aromas, while reds were fermented at slightly higher temperatures to extract color and tannins.
Outlook
Our early tastings show indications is that the 2022 wines are of high quality, with particular praise for their balance and concentration. As these wines begin to make their way to market, enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the distinctive characteristics that define the 2022 vintage. The vintage stands as a testament to Napa Valley’s resilience and innovation in the face of climatic challenges. This year’s wines are a celebration of the region’s rich viticultural heritage and its commitment to excellence. As you explore the offerings of the Napa Valley 2022 vintage, you are sure to find wines that not only meet but exceed expectations, making this a vintage to remember. Whether you are a collector, investor, or casual wine lover, the Napa Valley 2022 vintage promises to deliver remarkable wines that reflect the dedication and expertise of the region’s winemakers. Collectors will appreciate the aging potential of these wines, investors will find value in their anticipated high demand, and casual drinkers will enjoy the immediate appeal and approachability of these expertly crafted wines.
“The 2022 vintage is almost like two vintages in one. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ the heat dome event created individual wines in themselves and were also very different in their own right. Throw in an end of harvest rain event and it was a year to learn some new skill sets to produce exceptional wine and add new knowledge for a vintage like it in the future. The ups and downs of this harvest produced mixed & varied outcomes when it comes to the resulting wines. There are some variations in the tannins of this vintage, most are quite smooth and supple, and not that different from the 2014 & 2017 which have proven over time to be drinking well in their youth and with a few years of bottle age on them.
Some other wines have slightly blocky or aggressive tannins that seem like they will require some more time to soften than usual, or may just end up being a bit more aggressive through the life of these wines. The best wines, however, feature excellent acidity, wonderfully bright and supple fruit profiles and demonstrate that it is certainly possible to make excellent wines in 2022. I fear that these wines will quickly be overshadowed by the “vintages of a lifetime,” 2021 and 2023. The 2022 wines will be an excellent addition to people’s cellars that are looking for approachable Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons to open while waiting for other vintage’s to come into their prime.”
– Mike Smith, Winemaker, Myriad Cellars
“The 2022 vintage began with severe drought conditions, marking the driest winter in 1,200 years. Despite early-season irrigation and mild temperatures promoting an early bud break, the drought and limited yields persisted. September brought a “heat dome” with temperatures exceeding 100°F for ten days, stressing vineyards and requiring various cooling measures. Vineyard performance varied by location: valley floors and western exposures struggled more than hillside and eastern sites. After a rare late summer rain, many vines faced challenges ripening, leading to some early shutdowns. Overall, the best wines from 2022 are big, lush, and balanced with soft tannins, while the worst are pruny and less age-worthy, with issues stemming from the heat and subsequent rains affecting fermentation.”
– Aaron Pott, Winemaker, Pott Wines