Wines

We had a lot of rain in December 2020, but the 20-year drought continued with very little rainfall in January, February, and March. Warm temperatures at the debut of spring led to an early April bud break. April and May were spectacular, with clear warm days and a few frost days on the valley floor and on Howell Mountain. High temperatures remained in the 70s (20s °C) and low 80s (25s °C), creating ideal conditions for growth. There were several windy days in May that caused low humidity, culminating in a spectacular freak rainstorm on May 20. The vines welcomed a break from the humidity.

Memorial Day weekend brought the first very hot days of the season, with temperatures at Seven Stones flirting with the 100°F (37°C) mark. In early June, the fog returned to the Valley, and temperatures were mild until a heatwave from June 16 to June 18 saw temperatures soar above 100°F (37°C), causing the vines to shut down during this period. Early July was hot and dry, but the fog returned to slow things down in the last two weeks of the month, except for a heatwave on July 27. July 10 and July 27 became the hottest two days of the year. Early August was also hot, with a heatwave from the 10th to the 16th that was exceptionally hot and dry. The weather cooled in the last two weeks of August with the return of the morning fog and temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (23°C-29°C), but it warmed up again on the last torrid weekend of August. The first week of September was sweltering, with temperatures soaring into the 100°F (37°C) range, finally breaking on September 9 with a lightning storm that started a small fire on Mt. Veeder, which was quickly extinguished. September 10-15 had ideal ripening weather, with high temperatures at Seven Stones between 80°F and 96°F (26°C-35°C).

We harvested Seven Stones in the third week of September over a 4-day period, starting at 3 AM to ensure the fruit arrived at the cellar under ideal conditions. Grapes were harvested by hand and hand-sorted three times before being optically sorted and gravity-fed to tanks at the microscopic Seven Stones Estate Winery. The grapes were cold-soaked for 5 days before indigenous yeast started a slow fermentation, keeping the wines in tank for 35 days before being drained to 100% new French oak barrels from Bossuet, Taransaud, Darnajou, and Sylvain. Late October saw abundant rains shower the dry Valley over a three-day period, signaling the end of the 2021 vintage.

The official rainy season kicked off a few days after New Year’s Day. A couple of storms passed through, bringing close to 10 inches of rain over a two-week period. A sense of normality returned to the valley, and growers knew that it was going to be another strong season for the vineyards. The wet soils slightly delayed bud break for the 2019 growing season. Sap flow started in the vines around the end of March or early April. The season began a couple of days later than 2018, and roughly one week behind the five-year average. The summer of 2019 was phenomenal. A few days broke triple digits, but most were spent with blue skies in the mid-80s to low 90s—absolutely ideal weather for ripe flavors while maintaining bright acidity. Véraison came right on time, aligning with the five-year average. Harvest began on October 1st and continued through October 9th with two separate picks.

The season began about one week later than 2017, and roughly two weeks later than the five-year average. The spring and summer of 2018 can best be described by the Goldilocks Principle. The days were hot, but few were above 100°F. The nights remained in the 40s, and the fog came each morning and burned off in the afternoon. The early part of May was cooler than desired, but still warm enough to ensure a solid fruit set. Véraison was two weeks later than the five-year average, but clusters “colored-up” at a rapid pace. Cluster uniformity was fantastic, and wine grape yields looked promising. So far, the season looked to be a great one for both winemakers and growers. During the first week of October, a small amount of rain fell on the valley. The grape clusters had no problem making it through the wet weather and quickly dried out a few days later. Harvest began on September 28th with a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Blocks 5 and 6. The remainder of the fruit was brought in with two additional picks on October 6th and 8th. The 2018 vintage will be remembered as one of high yields and high quality, in which a slow and steady pace of the season allowed for optimal picking decisions.

The 2017 vintage will be talked about for many years to come. There were multiple unforeseen challenges that kept growers and winemakers on their toes until the very end: a hailstorm in June, heat waves in August and September, and unprecedented California wildfires in October. As with the previous winter, the end of 2016 brought wet weather to Napa. By the time bud break neared, some parts of Napa had received over 50 inches of rain. Bud break came about a week later than in 2016, which was closer to the five-year average. The early summer months were mostly uneventful. Véraison was about a week late, but an exceptionally hot August quickened the ripening curve. During the last week of August, some areas reached as high as 115°F. Row orientation played a key role in the grapes' ability to withstand the scorching heat. Unfortunately, many growers lost a sizable portion of the 2017 crop to dehydration and premature raisining. Toward the end of the summer, but post-harvest for Seven Stones, terrifying firestorms erupted around Northern California. The whole valley united and worked together to achieve a successful harvest.

After multiple years of dry weather, the Napa Valley finally received an ideal winter. The rain began in November and continued intermittently through mid-April. Each period of rain was just enough to fill the soil profile while avoiding unwanted runoff. From December 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016, most of the valley saw close to 21 inches of rain. The vineyards were perfectly prepared for bud-break with ample water available for the season. Consistent weather continued through early spring, with daytime highs rarely deviating outside the range of 55°F - 65°F. Soils warmed up nicely, and bud-break began roughly 5 to 7 days ahead of the five-year average. Another uneventful frost season came and went in 2016. Only a handful of days posed any threat of damage and were easily managed with protection measures. Spring weather was “textbook.” Daytime highs were in the 80s with brisk nights and crystal-clear skies. It was perfect bloom weather for consistent fruit set. Even in areas of low cluster counts, little shatter was expected. The mild weather pushed bloom back closer to the five-year average. However, flowering was much more consistent compared to 2015, leading to greater uniformity during véraison. Vine vigor was balanced, and crop load looked decent. Véraison began a little later than in 2015. The weather continued to be ideal, with average highs in the mid-80s all the way through August. Cool nights helped maintain bright acidity to balance the firm tannins. Foggy mornings dominated most of late summer, and winemakers were at ease letting the fruit slowly develop rich flavors. There were three heat spikes during September around the 7th, 18th, and 25th. Temperatures barely reached triple digits, and the fruit held up beautifully. The last big push came during the week of October 10th. With an inch of rain in the forecast, wineries tried to empty tanks to make room for the remaining grapes. By October 14th, most vineyards had been picked. A few outliers that could weather the storm remained until late October. Overall, harvest wrapped up just in time for the winter weather to begin. For the fifth year in a row, Napa enjoyed a world-class vintage. Winemakers were more relaxed than the previous year, and the balanced chemistry of the wine grapes showed great potential.

The drought in California continued for the fourth consecutive year. There was a brief reprieve in November and December, where the valley saw 12.5 inches of rain, but multiple years of heavy rainfall will still be needed to make any significant impact. Bud break came early, with most vineyards around two weeks ahead of the five-year average. Warm days quickly accumulated, and by the end of March, the 2015 season was easily outpacing the previous five years. The early spring weather was full of bountiful sunshine, which helped the canopies develop strong shoots with healthy foliage. Bloom was early, and cold temperatures caused some vineyards to take four to five weeks to complete. This resulted in shatter in the vineyards and lower yields for the vintage. Harvest began about the same time as 2014, with a heat spike for four consecutive days in mid-September. This led to some dehydration, but sugars were low enough to handle the stress. The 2015 vintage held more challenges than previous years, but winemakers were optimistic that tannin and flavor character were strong and that quality was high.

For the third year in a row, Napa experienced an exceptionally dry winter, with most of the valley only receiving about 2 inches of rain from November through January. February brought some relief with 11.5 inches of rain. Bud break came 2-3 weeks early, and growth was healthy and strong. Spring weather was ideal, bringing bloom 1-2 weeks early. As in 2013, véraison was 10-14 days early, and as berries developed, the vines seemed to be very well balanced. On August 24th, Napa experienced a 6.0 magnitude earthquake. Fortunately, Seven Stones was distanced from the epicenter and suffered no damage. Additionally, an unexpected hailstorm hit the southern end of the valley with 1.5 inches of ice and rain in a 2-hour period. Despite nature throwing these curveballs, we once again experienced another stunning vintage with the fruit picked in mid-October.

After another exceptionally dry winter, bud break arrived 5-7 days later than average. Fortunately, a warm April allowed everything to catch up with nice, consistent spring weather leading to an early bloom. Early season heat helped with grape skin, tannin, and overall flavor development. Yields appeared to be average to slightly above average, with potential for an exceptional vintage. A brief scare occurred during the last week of June when temperatures broke 100 degrees for a few days, but véraison had yet to occur, and berries were still green and hard, so they were protected. Most areas were 10-14 days earlier than average for véraison. With the exception of some minor fruit thinning, the rest of 2013 was thankfully uneventful. A very early harvest wrapped up by the end of September. The 2013 vintage is one for the history books. The season had days full of beautiful weather and cold nights to maintain grape acidity. Thick grape skins with rapid sugar development allowed us to pick based on flavor development.

The winter leading up to the 2012 growing season was exceptionally dry. By the end of February, most of California was in at least moderate drought conditions. Fortunately, a much-needed wet March occurred, with the valley receiving about 8.5 inches of rain. Bud break began roughly 5-7 days later than the five-year average. Beautiful spring weather shortened the bud break to bloom period. Bloom lasted until mid-June, with a small amount of shatter due to two brief showers and cold nighttime temperatures. Véraison was early and warm. Consistent weather led to July, August, and September being encouragingly uneventful. 2012 will be remembered as one of ideal growing conditions, with hot days and cool nights.

What began with a wet winter and spring continued with rainfall into mid-June, delaying bloom and disrupting fruit set, resulting in shatter in parts of the region. This set the stage for a long, cooler-than-average growing season with a later-than-average harvest beset with autumn rainstorms. The precipitation measuring season ending on June 30 found the region more than a third above normal in rainfall. While this is good news for water resources, the cloud cover and cool temperatures delayed vine development by several weeks at the onset of the growing season. Few high heat events occurred, but growers managed more open vine canopies to ensure sunlight, warmth, and good air circulation around the grape clusters. The shatter resulting from the rain events in June was variable by vineyard location, hitting some locations harder with projected crop diminished by more than 30%, while leaving other sites nearly untouched with a near-normal crop.

After a consistently cool summer season, significant mid-October rain pushed the vintage even later. But growers were rewarded with weeks of fantastic weather, a prolonged Indian summer that provided needed ripening time. Mold, rot, and botrytis were challenges to the grapes that were not harvested and had a major impact on the quantity of the harvest, but not the quality. The commitment to quality runs so deep and strong in this valley that systems for effective sorting were already set up, both in the field and at the wineries. While quantity was low, the fruit will make for well-balanced wines with good intensity, structure, and texture, with a brightness of flavor.

In some years, grape growers feel like baseball players in the batting cage, swinging at whatever mother nature throws their way. In 2010, rainfall returned after three dry years, pushing bud break, flowering, and fruit set back. Summer’s cooler temperatures resulted in a later-than-average véraison. Then a two-day heat spike coincided with the first day of harvest on August 24. With canopies thinned to adjust for the cooler season, grapes at various sites experienced some sunburn. Although the season’s swings resulted in a late and shortened harvest with lower yields, vintners were excited about what they were tasting from the vineyards—concentrated flavors that will hit elegant, structured wines out of the park.

From 30 days of intense frost in spring 2008 to fewer than five in 2009, this vintage was much less eventful for growers who were able to sleep nights without worrying about the threat of frost—or the lack of water to combat it. Late spring rains and June’s warm spell helped curtail excessive canopy development. Instead of a typical growing season’s 14 days of 100°+ temperatures, 2009 counted four or five overall, again reducing the demand for water. Though rainfall was about two-thirds of normal for the third year in a row, the timing of it was on the vines’ side. Coupled with the lack of frost and the mild, relatively cool growing season, mother nature gave vines and grapes the best scenario possible.

The New Year began with intense storms that quickly waned; for the second year in a row, Napa Valley received about 60% of normal rainfall. One of the driest springs on record prompted vines to push out early, providing the “perfect storm” for frigid, dry air to create the deepest and longest frost period in decades, threatening the budding vines. Spring daytime temperatures were perfect, yet the frost persisted. Then, within the same week that many had been irrigating for frost protection, vineyards had to be irrigated to forestall a multi-day heat spike just when vines were beginning to flower, a time when fruit and vine development are particularly susceptible to extremes. This resulted in fewer clusters with smaller berries.

Harvest began in mid-August, then a Labor Day heat spell ratcheted everyone into high gear as several varieties ripened simultaneously. Suddenly, temperatures dropped to well below normal, allowing red varieties to receive optimal hang time, excellent ripening, and balanced structure.

The 2007 vintage contrasted with previous vintages and early predictions—yet grape growers brilliantly adapted to changing conditions. The year began dry with a warmer-than-normal winter that continued into spring, resulting in earlier budding, bloom, and set. A mild-to-cool summer finished with a Labor Day heat spike that added the boost of sugar development. Harvest started in early to mid-August. Unseasonably cool weather and nearly an inch of rain in the second week of October did not affect the crops, as Indian Summer returned with warm, clear days, and vineyard crews sprang into action to finish harvest for a vintage of exceptional quality.

The 2006 harvest finished in early November and will be remembered as a “grower’s year,” as Napa Valley faced a variety of challenges, from New Year flooding to spring’s continued wet weather that delayed budbreak. By early June, the sun came out and vines began to bloom and set fruit. In mid-July, a record-setting 10-day heat wave struck, but canopies had not yet been thinned, and young clusters were shaded from the hot sun. August’s cooler weather continued throughout harvest, allowing for moderately paced and deliberate ripening and a long harvest period. Rain came in the first week of October, but the white varieties were harvested, and the black varieties were not damaged.

2005’s winter rains paused for a dry, mild March, then resumed with record-setting precipitation late into the growing season, delaying bloom and set. The summer months were cool and pleasant with few heat spikes. Fog and cool temperatures were a concern heading into September as sugar levels had yet to rise in all varieties. Warm, nearly perfect conditions arrived with an Indian Summer, leading to a later-than-average harvest. This provided winemakers with fruit that had extended hang time, ultimately resulting in excellent sugar development and balanced acids, along with a larger-than-average crop, potentially making it a signature vintage from Napa Valley.

2022 is an unusual vintage in Napa Valley. We had modest rainfall in the fall and almost nothing through January and February. This period confirmed the longest drought in 1200 years! Days became very warm in March, leading to an early bud break. There was a welcome rain at the end of May. June was very hot, followed by a cooler July. In late August and early September, we experienced an unprecedented heat wave that pushed temperatures to some of the highest ever recorded. Harvest was very early as the heat accelerated ripening. The grapes for the 2022 Collection were harvested entirely before the late September rains, which prematurely ended the ripening process.