It's a Hell of a Grape Harvest

Remembering back to that record rainfall last winter and the delayed spring it seemed we were looking at a fairly normal harvest. Then there was the record hot summer. The kicker was the near all-time record heat for several days around Labor Day.

What you get are raisined grapes as the moisture is pulled out to protect the plant. Just add water? A couple issues there: 1) Some vineyards are dry farmed so that's not a choice, 2) Watering close to harvest can dilute the concentrated flavors you're looking for in premium wines.

Once grapes are raisined you cut those bunches off and get a smaller crop or you will have pruney flavors in the wines. Oh yeah, many coastal areas, including Sonoma County, have seen some rain. Not a lot, but enough to see some rot. Just as I'm about to publish this post on a Wednesday morning a tropical-type thunderstorm is rolling through.
 

My backyard Zinfandel
Luckily, whether I get six bottles or four
won't have a large economic impact  :)

 
With the heat things ripen quickly meaning lots of work for the crew in a short time. Add to that a somewhat smaller labor force and, as one winemaker said, "This year is separating the men from the boys."

The quality of the 2017 vintage? That remains to be seen. Usually different varieties and different regions are affected differently.

More info from Wines & Vines