March 6, 2020
The Finger Lakes experienced a moderate 2018-2019 winter with little damage to buds. That meant that vine pruning decisions were simplified; there being no specific need for additional canes to ensure a full crop.
2019 was a coolish vintage with Growing Degree Days (GGD, base 50 F) down 9% from a ten year average. Since May was cold (-38% GDD) and wet (+26%) budbreak and bloom were delayed. This phenological fact became a source of anxiety for growers as the days to veraison is closely linked to budbreak and bloom.
The summer months were close to normal for heat accumulation with July being especially dry & sunny. Overall the fall was somewhat cooler than average, but a wonderfully dry and sunny September brought ripening forward. Growers could leave grapes on the vine to ‘hang’ and were relieved to see key ripening parameters such as acid levels declining and pH levels creeping up.
The 2017 crop was much larger than normal (and quite a surprise), 2018 much smaller than normal, and 2019 close to normal. This bodes well for 2020 since vineyards will not be subject to stress from heavy crops.
Whites wines exhibit the freshness of a cool vintage. Rieslings are generally tight, minerally with more citrus fruit. The wines have good weight and will cellar very well. Wines that have been longer on lees have broader mouth feel and palate weight.
Red wines have considerably more tannin structure that was the case for 2018 or 2017. The colors are intense, the fruit crunchy and wines that have completed malo-lactic conversion discernably more accessible. A dry and sunny September has paved the way to wines that are ripe, yet restrained, with the reserved fruit and structure for cellaring. Reminiscent of 2004.
A comparison of weather data for a 47 year average and the more recent 10 year average provides some insight to climate change in the Finger Lakes. Overall, the 10 year period is 9% warmer and 7% wetter than the 47 year average. Spring and fall appear to be warmer. The rainfall data is more challenging to interpret. Spring and summer appear wetter, but September dryer and October wetter.
This report was compiled from data provided from Cornell’s Finger Lakes Grape Program, and extensive tastings with winemakers of member wineries of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. Our thanks and appreciation for their generous assistance.