Casey Barton, viticulturist at Bedrock, and Matt Nelsen, filmmaker for Bedrock and owner/winemaker at Nelsen Barter, discuss the effects of a cool year with abundant rainfall on the vineyard and viticulture. They cover topics like late harvest, tillage impact on vine growth, spider-mite pressure, berry sizing's impact on crop estimation, harvest dates, heat accumulation, Shiraz tradition, vineyard exploration, cover crop and irrigation system, low crop year, and their journey into the wine industry.
The 2023 harvest at Bedrock is exceptionally late due to a long, cool growing season with significant rainfall and slow vine emergence, resulting in slower sugar accumulation and smaller berries, but the potential quality is expected to be exceptional.
The abundance of rainfall in 2023 influenced vine behavior and grape development, with non-till farming practices showing slower wake-up times, contributing to healthier canopies and improved vine defenses against pests, providing insights for future vineyard management.
The long, cool growing season in 2023 led to a later harvest and balanced crops, with exceptional flavors at lower sugar levels and high acidity, promising exceptional wine quality despite relatively low crop sizes in some vineyards.
The late harvest and cooler vintage of 2023 will have implications for future vine growth and wine quality, potentially improving fruit ripening, mouthfeel, and deepening flavors, and the combination of rainfall and non-till farming practices will contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced from the 2023 vintage.
Deep dives
Late harvest and cool vintage in 2023
The 2023 harvest is exceptionally late at Bedrock, potentially the latest on record. This is due to a long, cool growing season characterized by significant rainfall and slow vine emergence. The abundance of water in the soil delayed root activity and overall vine development. The cool weather and extended hang time has resulted in slower sugar accumulation and smaller berries. Despite the late harvest, the potential quality is expected to be exceptional.
Effects of rainfall and non-till farming practices
The abundance of rainfall in 2023 influenced vine behavior and grape development. The soil retained moisture, creating thermal mass and resulting in slower warming and root activity. Additionally, vineyards using non-till farming practices showed slower wake-up times compared to vineyards with tillage. Non-till practices contributed to healthier canopies and improved vine defenses against pests like spider mites. This year's unique combination of rainfall and non-till farming provided insights for future vineyard management.
Extended growing season and balanced crops
The long, cool growing season in 2023 has led to a later harvest and balanced crops. Bud break occurred later than usual, and the slow sugar accumulation resulted in exceptional flavors at lower sugar levels. Despite the extended hang time, the acidity remained high, which contributed to wine quality. Although the size of the crop was relatively low in some vineyards, the balanced vines and healthy canopies produced promising fruit. The potential quality of the wines from the 2023 vintage appears to be exceptional.
Predictions for future vine growth and wine quality
The late harvest and cooler vintage of 2023 will have implications for future vine growth and wine quality. The healthy canopies and vigorous root growth this year may lead to improved fruit ripening and a higher crop level next year. The slower sugar accumulation and higher pH levels observed this year may enhance mouthfeel and deepening flavors. These factors, along with the potential effects of rainfall and non-till farming practices, will contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced from the 2023 vintage.
New Vineyards and Collaborations
The podcast episode discusses the addition of new vineyards to the portfolio, including Bellany, Banfield, Block 99, and Deeter. The hosts express excitement about the opportunities to work with these new vineyards and the unique characteristics they bring. They also mention collaborations with other winemakers, such as Carlisle and William Seliam, to share the fruit from these vineyards.
Napa Valley Expansion
The hosts highlight the acquisition of a new vineyard in Napa Valley near Tokalon Creek. This vineyard, planted in the 1970s, includes Cabernet Franc, a rare varietal in Napa Valley. The hosts express their excitement about being the first people to have access to this fruit in over 50 years and their plans to produce a Cabernet Franc that captures the perfume of the varietal with the natural weight of Tokalon.
Personal Journey of Casey and Matt
The hosts briefly discuss Casey's journey from Texas to the wine business, her experience in sales and viticulture, and her decision to join Bedrock as a full-time employee. They also mention Matt's winemaking venture and the upcoming release of his first wine, a 2020 Merlot. They share the challenges and joys of making wine and the slow and meticulous process involved.
Chris and Morgan sit down with Casey Barton (Viticulturist, Bedrock) and Matt Nelsen (Filmmaker for Bedrock & Owner/Winemaker, Nelsen Barter) to break down the vineyard side of the 2023 wine harvest.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
