2003 Sonoma Vintage
California's 2003 season swung from early budbreak to a cold, wet April and July heat, and Sonoma Merlot yields were significantly down.
California's 2003 season was one of swings: warm February weather brought early budbreak, a cold and extremely wet April stalled the vines for several weeks, and record-breaking heat waves followed, especially in July. Crop levels were down in all varieties in all major regions. In Sonoma, growers reported small berries and great concentration, with Merlot yields significantly down and many Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel vineyards off by 50%.
Growing season
Warm February weather tricked the vines into early budbreak, but an unseasonably cold and extremely wet April followed, and the vines virtually stopped growing for several weeks. May temperatures were closer to normal and growth resumed. Bloom was variable: some varieties bloomed during hot spells and suffered shatter, others during cool, wet periods, leaving a slightly below-average set in Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet and a much-below-average set in Merlot. June warmed up and record-breaking heat waves followed, especially in July, before August returned to average or below-average temperatures. After some rain in early September, a warm pattern set in and harvest ran hot and heavy, with hot weather around the 25th having most crews picking non-stop as varieties ripened quickly. In Napa and Sonoma, the Chardonnay harvest took place under intensely warm conditions, causing some sunburn damage. Crop levels were down in all varieties in all major regions.
- Warm February weather tricked the vines into early budbreak, then an unseasonably cold, extremely wet April virtually stopped growth for several weeks
- Bloom was variable, with shatter in varieties that flowered during hot spells and a much-below-average set in Merlot
- Record-breaking heat waves hit California, especially in July, followed by an average or below-average August and some rain in early September
- Many Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel vineyards were off by 50%, though old vine Zinfandels showed less stress and ripened evenly
- Syrah was said to carry a normal crop in most Sonoma County vineyards, an exception in a short year
Sonoma Growers on the Season
Randall Watkins said: 'Veraison is progressing quickly, and the small berries should result in good color and tannin when the Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested, most likely in October.' Mark Schroeter reported great concentration across the board and said 'it looks like it will be a stand-out for Shiraz in Sonoma County.' On Merlot he said, 'Although Merlot yields are significantly down, it looks good: soft, supple, and fruity,' and on Cabernet, 'we're very pleased: tiny berries and great concentration.' Elsewhere in the county, many Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel vineyards were off by 50%, while old vine Zinfandels displayed less stress and ripened evenly, and Syrah was said to carry a normal crop in most Sonoma County vineyards.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: small berries and quick veraison, with harvest most likely in October (Randall Watkins)
- Shiraz: Mark Schroeter expected a stand-out in Sonoma County
- Merlot: yields significantly down; Schroeter called the fruit soft, supple and fruity
- Zinfandel: many Dry Creek Valley vineyards off by 50%, while old vines ripened evenly
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See the Pivot+- 2003 California: warm February weather gave early budbreak, then a cold, extremely wet April stalled vine growth for several weeks.
- Variable bloom caused shatter; Merlot set was much below average, and a Sonoma grower said Merlot yields were significantly down.
- Record-breaking heat waves hit California, especially in July; some rain fell in early September before a hot harvest.
- Sonoma crop: many Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel vineyards off by 50%, old vines ripened evenly; Syrah was said to carry a normal crop in most Sonoma County vineyards.
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