2024 Harvest Update: Bedell Cellars | Cutchogue, NY
A May frost event has yields lower on some varieties, but quality remains high
The second report from today comes from Rich Olsen-Harbich, Director of Winemaking at Bedell Cellars on the North Fork of Long Island. Rich literally wrote the AVAs on Long Island, along with a recent book about the region where he’s made his grape-growing and winemaking career. He’s also been a mentor, friend, and teacher to me over the years.
“It’s certainly been an interesting year. We started with a freeze (28 F) on May 8, which damaged buds on numerous sites across the [North] Fork. Chardonnay, cabernet franc, and viognier were hit particularly hard as they bud early. So, yields are down on those for us — but we did have good yields on sauvignon blanc, albariño, and other whites.
After May, the season was very solid as temperatures were warm, and we had lots of sunny days. 2024 is warmer than 2023 so far. From the end of August through the end of September, we’ve had almost no rain whatsoever. It was probably the driest September since I've been making wine, so the ripening conditions this past month have been near perfect. Whites are all in and look great, with brix levels ranging from 21.5 to 23.5 for all varieties. Sauvignon blanc and albariño are absolutely amazing.
It remains to be seen what October brings, but it has cooled down nicely, which has helped to retain acids and aromatics. We’ve started to pick some reds for rosé, but starting today, we’re taking in malbec for red. Brix is looking at 22-23.5 — so perfect.
Cabernet franc harvest will begin later this week with similar numbers. The warm season and dry September have given all the reds a great ripening season, so we’re just waiting to see how they will end up, but I’m very optimistic.
Grapes across the board are ripening earlier than in years past, so we’re still experiencing climate change positively on the North Fork. I’d expect the reds to be finished within three weeks and have great ripeness and quality — probably two weeks earlier than 20-30 years ago.
Overall, the quality is exceptional. The only downside is that yields are much lower, which will result in some varietals being in short supply.”
That’s it for today’s updates. Tomorrow we’ll have at least one from the Finger Lakes and one from the northern-most region in Michigan.
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