Seufert Winery

Thursday, March 05, 2009


2008 Oregon Pinot Noir Vintage
Growers were nervous about 2008 from early in the season. Our cool wet spring meant that the grape vines started growing 2-3 weeks later than normal. Grape ripening is on a fixed schedule – they need a certain number of days (and corresponding heat) to ripen. Given our relatively normal summer heat, the late start translated to a late finish.

After a stressfully cool and wet 2007 harvest season, everyone was incredibly nervous how 2008 would shape up. The late start set the stage for disaster. To help offset the late start, many growers reduced crop loads by cutting green grapes off the vines – more than they would normally. Fewer grapes per plants gives the remaining grapes a better chance of ripening. But it also means there are fewer grapes for making wine. Tough choice.

If you were in Oregon last October, you may recall what a pleasant month we had. We had little rain and mild temperatures – the opposite of 2007. The weather held, and with a few minor frost exceptions, vineyards harvested a less than normal amount of very high quality fruit. If you’re a cook, our growing season was like a slow simmer… mild heat for a long period of time to coax out subtle, complex, and nuanced flavors.

For the vineyards that we source Pinot Noir from, yields ranged between 1-2 tons per acre. Some were right on target, while others were considerably below their target. Regardless, flavors are great from all of our vineyards. As usual, each vineyard has its own signature. Come to our April barrel tasting event to taste them side by side.

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