December 23, 2020
The 2019-2020 winter was quite mild with virtually no bud damage to vines. April and May were cooler than long term average with consequential delayed bud break. May 8-9 & 12-13 frost events (temperatures of 28 F) resulted in bud damage with the potential for reduced crop size.
May & June were very dry (~ 60% below average). July was warmer than average (~ 12%) so by the end of June accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) was close to average. Even though July rainfall was 20% above average, August, September and October were very dry. Total rainfall for the growing season was a scant 14.9 inches whereas the total long term average was 90.6 inches.
August and September were close to average GDD and by the end of October, accumulated GDD were close to the ten year average (October was a bit cooler).
The story of the 2020 vintage is best understood within the context of the droughty dryness of May & June, and August through October. However the geographic variation of rainfall in the Finger Lakes is well recognized. In 2020, variation in vineyard crop volumes from one vineyard to another is partially due to the variance in rainfall and related smaller berry sizes, and partially to the frost episodes in May. Certain vineyard sites with vines having access to ground water will have performed very well indeed.
Overall disease pressure was virtually absent providing growers with the luxury of time to manage harvest operations. Ripeness as measured by sugar accumulation (brix) was excellent. Temperatures and exceptional diurnal variation (warm days, cool nights) has favored the retention of acidity; freshness being a hallmark character of Finger Lakes wines.
Mid December tastings of the 2020 vintage show remarkable palate weight, varietal clarity and charm. Freshness has been retained and alcohol levels are for the most part, moderate. Overall, 2020 promises to be a very strong and complete vintage for both red and white wines. A sense of ripeness, strength and balance.
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.