Willamette Valley 1996 Vintage Report
1996 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Willamette Valley, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 26mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1179 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.
The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 124mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.
**Style:** Lighter-bodied, early-drinking wines that prioritize charm over depth.
About Willamette Valley
Oregon's Willamette Valley is the New World's answer to Burgundy. Its cool, wet climate is ideal for Pinot Noir, producing wines with earthy complexity, bright red fruit, and delicate structure.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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