I really wanted to bring this thread topic back - hopefully the winemakers and those in-the-know will post again regarding the vintages '07 and '08 in CA…
i think many winemakers will agree (the thought!) that 2007 was a strong year. i suspect, however, that 2008 will likely produce some disagreements, much in the same way that 2006 did.
'07 vintage in CA was a long one…just about 365 days long.
'08…the first half of the year, about half of '07, but the second half came on strong and made it complete, just like '07.
At least, I think that’s what I said in that other forum…which is now gone… taunt tease
The winemakers that we have come across at our store have said they believe 2007 Cabs to be one of the best vintages in a long time but I have heard that from many winemakers about other vintages but there are a few that I actually hold their word to be credible when they say it.
I’ve had some really incredible 07 barrel samples. I’m tending towards believing the hype. That said, nothing counts until its in bottle.
2007 is looking to be fantastic.
2008 is too early to tell. No reason to think it won’t be a success, but there will be a lot less juice out there. We, for example, harvested 1/3 less grapes than during 2007.
I’ll continue to pimp 06 over 07 for CA Cabs…overall.
Pinot - 07 over 06.
I think the 06’s are the best of the 2000’s…
SOO much fruit was lost in '08. You’ll be told repeatedly that what WAS picked is stellar. In many cases that will be true, esp. from the pros you are used to hearing from on the boards. Because pinot is picked earlier anyway I am sure most pinot producers are going to have killer stuff, although probably limited quantities. But in many other cases/varieties, wineries pulled the trigger and picked after the last heat stroke, when sugars when highest–a wait through the following cool down would have given them a degree or two less Brix and better development. My advice would be to barrel sample when possible and see what you think.
'07 wasn’t at all bad for Paso Robles. We are very, very happy with our '07s, far more than 2006 which was so cold and wet and cold and rainy … hard to get the pH’s up, but opinions may differ. Linda?
2007 is AWESOME!!!
With picking so variable in 2008, crops very small, I cannot believe it will be very good. Just my opinion based upon my 2 visits this past year.