2005 Napa Valley Vintage

2005 started the way growers want it to. Healthy winter rains and a warm, dry spell in late March proved just right for bud break, which came right on schedule. Ample late-spring rains in May and June delivered as much as seven to eight inches to receptive soils. The health of the vines was possibly owed in part to 2004's lower crop yields, which allowed the vines to store good carbohydrates for 2005. July was warm and even, with temperatures in the 80s and low 100s, which dried things out nicely and continued a pattern of even growth with no stress in the vines. The back half of the season was defined by what did not happen. By September 22, daily high temperatures in the vineyard had pushed beyond 80 degrees on only five of the previous 21 days, and a mild fall appeared set to follow a mild summer, both absent the dramatic heat spells of recent years. Cool September temperatures slowed sugar accumulation while acid levels continued to decline, indicating that wines with lower alcohol levels could be expected. Picking followed the season's unhurried logic. On September 22, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir were finishing up in most regions, with Riesling, Chardonnay and Merlot close behind and some growers just beginning on Cabernet. By October 12, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot harvest had begun in earnest, with some areas still weeks away and others almost finished. The harvest came very late, with many vineyards not picked until November, which is unusual, though they were picked in a much shorter period than in 2004.

• Healthy winter rains and a warm, dry late March put bud break right on schedule
• Late-spring rains in May and June delivered as much as seven to eight inches to receptive soils
• Warm, even July weather in the 80s and low 100s produced even growth with no vine stress
• Only five of the 21 days before September 22 cleared 80 degrees, with none of the dramatic heat spells of recent years
• Cool September slowed sugar while acids declined, indicating lower alcohol levels
• Harvest ran very late, with many vineyards unpicked until November but compressed into a shorter window than 2004

The debate at the time was whether 2005 was actually late or simply looked late next to 2004. Jon Ruel, director of viticulture for Trefethen Vineyards, allowed that the harvest seemed late compared to years like 2004 but said it was not "really all that late compared to older vintages." Seasoned veterans pointed to historical data showing things progressing right on schedule. Volume was the surprise. The harvest was bountiful, with yields that caught growers by surprise, and Mark Neal of Neal Family Vineyards said the big crop came as a result of heavier berries, not from a lack of thinning. The consequence was logistical. Many wineries ran out of fermentation tanks, leaving some vineyards unpicked. Harvests beginning in October can be challenging, with a greater chance of rain, cooler evenings and significantly diminished ripeness differentiation from area to area, which creates tank space issues for some wineries.

• Seasoned veterans pointed to historical data showing the harvest right on schedule
• The harvest was bountiful, with yields that caught growers by surprise
• Many wineries ran out of fermentation tanks and some vineyards went unpicked
• October harvests narrow ripeness differences between areas and can create tank space issues

These are impressions from autumn 2005, made while the fruit was still coming in. The Napa Valley Vintners' own October 12 note likened the year to both 1994 and 1991 for the length and evenness of the growing season, the start of the Cabernet Sauvignon pick, and the phenolic maturity and balance of the fruit. Wine Spectator wrote that Napa vintners were "dancing in their cellars" over the prospects for 2005, with some predicting it could be one of Napa's finest vintages. Colgin winemaker Mark Aubert said the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, "were incredibly dark."

• Wine Spectator wrote that vintners were dancing in their cellars, with some predicting one of Napa's finest vintages
• Colgin winemaker Mark Aubert said the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah "were incredibly dark"
• The cool September and slowed sugar accumulation indicated lower alcohol levels