2015 Napa Valley Vintage Chart
2015 Napa Valley Vintage
Vintage will be remembered for high quality, but low yields
The 2015 growing season in Napa Valley started out with unseasonably warm temperatures in the late winter and early spring. This resulted in an early bud break and bloom. Colder temperatures in May (during the peak of bloom) caused uneven fruit set which ultimately resulted in much smaller crop in 2015, compared to both average yields and also the three abundant years that preceded it.
As a result, winemakers worked hand-in-hand with vineyard crews and also employed new technologies, like optical sorting, to ensure they picked and crushed only the best quality grapes. The harvest was one of the earliest on record in Napa Valley, beginning on July 22 with the picking of grapes for sparkling wine, and concluding for most all vintners and growers in the valley by mid-October.
While ongoing drought was of great concern to farmers around California, Napa Valley received 75% of normal rainfall for the water year, bringing far fewer water concerns for Napa Valley’s vintners. Perhaps the most notable natural occurrence of the year was the devastating Valley Fire that broke out in Lake County to the north in mid-September.
Although the fire was tragic for the Lake County residents who lost their lives and their homes, prevailing winds blew the fire’s smoke away from Napa Valley.
Vintage Quotes
“I am now convinced: the 2016 vintage in Napa and Sonoma Valley is exceptional.” – – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
Related Articles
– Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vintages 2015, 2016 & 2017 Compared Fred Swan, jjbuckley.com
– Wine Harvest 2015: Napa Valley Reports an Outstanding but Small Grape Crop WineSpectator.com
Vintage Videos
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – 2015 Napa Valley Harvest
Vintage Chart
Wrapping Up One of the Earliest Harvests Ever
It’s hard to believe, but winemakers from several parts of the Napa Valley report being done or close to being done picking grapes for the 2015 vintage. Harvest normally continues into late October or even early November for most vintners, but not this year. In some of the cooler hillside areas, a few blocks of Read the full article…
Nearing the Finish Line
It’s warmed up again since last week’s cooler temperatures and light rain, nudging along an already early and accelerated harvest season. Some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are still taking on a few more days of sun and warmth, but most red varieties have ripened and are being brought in. A bit unusually, Napa Valley Read the full article…
Here Come the Whites!
After grapes for sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc and other wine grapes, often referred to as aromatic whites, are typically the next Napa Valley grapes to be brought from the vineyard to the crush pad. These grapes tend to mature earlier than most other grapes. Their sought-after and refreshing citrus, tropical and other fruit flavors are Read the full article…
Harvest Napa Valley 2015 is Underway!
The first grapes were picked at dawn on Wednesday, July 22, heralding an early start for this year’s harvest season. The grapes are destined to become Napa Valley sparkling wine and are usually the first to be picked. The reason? To ensure the bright acidity that winemakers are looking for in this style of wine. Read the full article…
