So I have recently started tasting some 2009 Napa/Sonoma Cabernet and have had incredibly mixed results. The entire spectrum (much more so than normal to me) is represented from almost undrinkable to surprisingly great considering youth. After these tasting experiences over the last month or two I went to the Internets and found that the 2009 vintage had great weather up until about October when mass rain and storms swept through the region…making wine making for the later picked grapes difficult.
I went on to read that some cab was picked prior to the storms and some during/after. Is there a database anywhere that shows whether or not grapes were picked prior to the bad weather…or does anyone here know/have a list of such wines?..my wallet thanks you in advance for not wasting money on unimpressive juice should you be able to assist in my inquiry.
Rich - I would not think there is any repository for this kind of information, as it is winery specific. You would need to go on the website of a winery you were interested in to see if they post a harvest date. I can tell you that my own 2009 EMH Black Cat Cabernet was harvested on September 21 before the rain hit in Napa Valley.
Rich - can you give some details on what you liked and didn’t like? Sure, the dreaded rains could play a big part of your experience, but there are plenty of variables too!
