With the 2020 vintage from Napa Valley being in the barrel for some wineries, the big question is; who will have one and who will not?
The fires on the Silverado Trail in September of 2020 came at a time where some wineries had already pulled the whites, but many still had the red grapes on the vine. When speaking to Elizabeth Vianna winemaker of Chimney Rock, she made the tough decision to not bottle a 2020 vintage. She explained that the 2019 vintage was a larger yield than previous and they were able to skip 2020 and still have wine for the market. Elizabeth said her small quantity of white wine they make was already in the tanks before the fires so there was little cause for concern.
However not ever winery is going to be that lucky. Cain winery as Forbes magazine stated “realized their vulnerability” and was completely burned down. This icon of Napa Valley that makes exquisite red blends in the Howell Mountain area. This hilltop escape was the home of amazing Bordeaux style blends. their damage was so severe they lost the 2019 vintage, which was in barrel, the 2020 due to 90% of the vines burning. Maybe looking for back-dated vintages to cellar isn’t a bad idea.
As the 2021 vintage goes for many this is looking like it will be an amazing vintage with a lot of concentrated fruit. The textures and flavors that are starting to show in the wines have a finesse many of us haven’t seen since 2016 or earlier.
Climate change and threat continues to be on the top of the minds of everyone in the wine business, and those who enjoy the fruits of labor. We are excited to see where Napa Valley improves and evolves.