Lodi News-Sentinel published this article on Saturday, August 19, 2000

The Grapevine

Bountiful harvest a mixed blessing
By Brian Ross

It appears that Cosentino winery will be able to pull off its ambitious plan for an impromptu crush this year at Vino Piazza at the Olde Lockeford Winery.

Work should begin sometime around the end of the month, according to Piazza owner Don Litchfield, who said Cosentino will produce about 1,500 cases from 250 tons of grapes. Planned bottlings include staples like cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot and zinfandel. Less common varietals like syrah and viognier will also get a limited bottling.

The Piazza is quickly becoming a sought after locale, as crush capacity will be in heavy demand this season. Actually, the place is a dream come true for small producers, as it demands no minimum production limit, unlike most facilities of its kind.

This is an excellent way to encourage experimentation, the hallmark of any growing appellation. Already, custom crush orders are pouring in as the grapes come off the vine. Silkwood Winery has arranged to crush about 80 tons of syrah at the Piazza, and numerous small producers are currently wrangling for a spot in the lineup, Litchfield said.

As Lodi's wine grape harvest kicks off, it's becoming apparent that 2000 is going to be an exceptional year for the area from a number if important standpoints.

Although evidently not quite equal to last year (roundly regarded to be the best of the 20th century) this year's crop is nonetheless expected to be of outstanding quality - and should produce some extremely memorable vintages.

Quantity is also expected to be colossal, and that will have an affect on the value of some varietals, according to Diego Olagaray, president of the Lodi District Grape Growers Association.

As recently-planted acreage comes into production the Lodi District is expected to produce a record harvest. "In terms of aggregate acres, this year will almost certainly set a new record," said Mark Chandler, executive director of the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission.

There appears to be an over-abundance of chardonnay this year, said Olagaray, who explained that high yields in wine producing areas that traditionally buy Lodi chardonnay has cut demand for the local fruit. "Syrah prices also seem to be off some-what," he said.

"About 95 percent of Lodi growers have contracts," Olagaray said. "A lot depends on who your contract is with."

Woodbridge Winery, for example, is paying higher prices than last year for cabernet, while other large buyers are paying less, Olagaray said.

For later varieties, said Olagaray, "I think it's a little too early to tell yet."

Various figures have been kicked around - including 25, 35 and 45 years.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has indicated their intention to avoid the issue, instead requiring wine makers to designate the actual age of the vines on the label. So much for romance, eh?

At any rate, the Lodi area is the undisputed world leader as home to these magnificent old vines, so we have, as we should, a special interest in any such discussion.

Readers are invited to drop us a line to sound off on the issue.

For other interesting news, check out www.lodinews.com or contact brian_ross@lodinews.com

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