Northern California Vintages

Question 1

2013

Answer 1

Fine vintage

Optimal crop

Question 2

2012

Answer 2

Banner year

Quality and quantity

Question 3

2011

Answer 3

Miserable harvest conditions
Mildew/botrytis in Napa/Sonoma
Low volumesOctober rainstorms

Question 4

2010

Answer 4

Cool start
August heatreduced yields
Higher acid, lower alcohol

Question 5

2009

Answer 5

Good initial impressions
Overall very good
Rainy end to harvest

Question 6

2008

Answer 6

Sonoma’s earliest harvest

Early overall

Question 7

2007

Answer 7

Early harvest
Cool September allowed for some catch up
Elegant and balanced

Question 8

2006

Answer 8

Unusually cool and wet

November harvestsome rotten fruit

Question 9

2005

Answer 9

Cool and damp

Some restraint and acidity

Question 10

2004

Answer 10

Cool spring
Hot Summer
Wines are variable

Question 11

2003

Answer 11

Quick ripening after heat spikes following rain

Reduced crop

Question 12

2002

Answer 12

Cool, dry summer

Difficult vintage

Question 13

2001

Answer 13

Even ripening

Some Cab vines shut down in August

Question 14

2000

Answer 14

Long vintage
Cool, wet summer
Pinot and Chardonnay were the highlights

Question 15

1999

Answer 15

Dry, late, cool summer
September heatwave
Some lush Cabernets

Question 16

1998

Answer 16

Late harvest
Not a ton of “stuffing”
Perhaps ageworthy

Question 17

1997

Answer 17

Early, generous harvestwidely admired

drink now!

Question 18

1996

Answer 18

Small crop

lightweight

Question 19

1995

Answer 19

warm, dry autumn
late harvest saved the day
Small quantities

Question 20

According to Wine Advocate, 2013 was best for what?

Answer 20

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 21

According to Wine Advocate, 2012 was best for what?

Answer 21

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 22

According to Wine Advocate, 2011 was best for what?

Answer 22

Chardonnay

Question 23

According to Wine Advocate, 2010 was best for what?

Answer 23

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 24

According to Wine Advocate, 2009 was best for what?

Answer 24

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 25

According to Wine Advocate, 2008 was best for what?

Answer 25

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 26

According to Wine Advocate, 2007 was best for what?

Answer 26

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 27

According to Wine Advocate, 2006 was best for what?

Answer 27

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 28

According to Wine Advocate, 2005 was best for what?

Answer 28

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 29

According to Wine Advocate, 2004 was best for what?

Answer 29

Chardonnay

Question 30

According to Wine Advocate, what are the best North Coast Cabernet vintages of the last 20 years?

Answer 30

2013, 2012, 2007, 2001

Question 31

According to Wine Advocate, what are the best North Coast Chardonnay vintages of the last 20 years?

Answer 31

2013, 2012, 2005

Question 32

According to Wine Advocate, what are the best North Coast Pinot Noir vintages of the last 20 years?

Answer 32

2013, 2012, 2002, 2001

Question 33

According to Wine Advocate, what are the best North Coast Zinfandel vintages of the last 20 years?

Answer 33

2003, 2013, 2012