For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400
Harvest Comes to a Close in Monterey Wine Country
The Grape Growers in Monterey County are Delighted with Fruit Quality
MONTEREY, CA. - December 1, 2003 - The 2003 Crush has wrapped up in Monterey County, after a somewhat late start. On-again, off-again rounds of early storms and mini heat waves during the late winter and spring months posed challenges to the region's growers. And while early returns are indicating much lighter-than-normal crop loads, the same reports are lauding the overall quality of the fruit arriving at our various wineries. From northern to southern Monterey County, nature's own methods of "thinning" in 2003 have led to vinifera of exceptional focus and concentration. "Every year is different and 2003 was unique at Paraiso," stated Richard Smith, owner of Paraiso Vineyards. "The spring was wet with late rain; bloomtime was hot; berry set was less than normal and we had many small single-seeded berries. The mornings were clear and days were temperate. There were not many hot days mid-season and maturity lagged behind normal timing. Extra heat in September finished the crops on-time and with force. The results are small crops with great color and flavor. The pH and acid of the juice promise long-lived wines and the initial tastings of the wines promise a great vintage."
Bill Petrovic, Vice President, Director of Vineyard Operation at San Bernabe Vineyards, commented on the 2003 harvest as follows, "It started with a bang with great production in new white plantings and early red plantings and there was not quite a whimper in the new cabernet, but definitely in the old cabernet. Merlot was wonderful and consistent in quality and variable in yield from low to great. Overall, this was a moderate year in yield and a stellar year in quality for most varieties.""Cold in spring, hot in summer, and extreme temperature variations - that is how I will best remember 2003 in Monterey Wine Country," noted Scott Storm, Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association's Grape Grower Committee Chairperson and Vineyard Manager for Lockwood Vineyards. "It's still early, but in regards to varietals to look out for, I would expect an outstanding year for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir." Additional details on the 2003 harvest, as well as pictures, can be obtained by contacting the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) at 831.375.9400.
About MCVGA
The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of members, partners and our community in order to promote and support our leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 65 five vintners and growers in Monterey County.
