Harvest. For winemakers, no other word is loaded with so much potential and anticipation. After a long growing season of endless work in the vineyards, it’s time to see what nature delivered. On the West Coast in 2013, most vintners are reporting a great year, a twin to the promising 2012. In many parts of Europe, however, it’s another year of challenging conditions and low yields.
In the first of five 2013 vintage reports, California winegrowers up and down the coast are celebrating a long, sunny year. After last year’s high quality and high yields, 2013 offers more of the same. The one lingering concern is persistent drought conditions that could mean trouble down the road. As for final quality in the bottle, it’s too early to know, but here’s a sneak peek.
Red Wine from Colchagua Valley, Chile
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
Dessert/Fortified Wine
Dessert/Fortified Wine from Douro, Portugal
Red Wine from Veneto, Italy
Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses); 94pts Parker; 95pts Decanter; 95pts Falstaff.
Pinot Noir
Red Wine from California, United States
Dessert/Fortified Wine from Bordeaux, France
Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
Red Wine from California, United States
Red Wine from Loire Valley, France
White Wine from Alsace, France
Red Wine from Bordeaux, France
Sparkling Wine from Catalonia, Spain
Other White Wine
White Wine from Southwest France, France
White Blend
White Wine from North Hungary, Hungary
Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
Sparkling Rose
Sparkling Wine from Oregon, United States
Red Wine from Loire Valley, France
Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
Dessert/Fortified Wine from Bordeaux, France