California harvest quality is high

A cool and wet California means both quality and quantity are high for the 2023 vintage and commentators believe it will be a cracker.

With the harvest up to a month late in some regions, the slower build up in sugars has meant that the grapes have higher, more balanced acidity and high flavour concentration.

The wet winter and spring meant the yields are also up around 20%-25%, with wineries are able to cut back on irrigation. The extra water available meant that canopies grew vigorously early on and had to be managed. With some vineyards leaf plucking to expose some clusters to more sun and others removing excessive grapes to aid ripening due to the cooler weather.