The 2018 harvest in Napa Valley, California, was, according to local farms, under almost perfect conditions. According to the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) association, the weather was under "optimal conditions". As a result, the yield is 20 to 30 percent above average with the very best grape health. The temperatures were neither too cool nor too hot, the sugar levels were just right. Tanning agents and colour development were also at the best level.
After heavy rain in October, the warm, persistent wind had initiated an excellent, long-lasting and healthy ripening phase. David Tate, oenologist at Barnett Vineyards and Tate Wines, commented that 2018 is "a year for winemakers". Nature had provided them with "a spectacular fruit and also left them plenty of time to make the right decisions in peace. We had all the time in the world this time to get it right".
(uka)