Willamette Valley 2018 Vintage Report
Defining the 2018 vintage in Willamette Valley requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 1 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
Summer turned up the intensity. With 11 days soaring above 35°C, the vines faced a stress test. Yet, thanks to sufficient water reserves, the canopy remained green, protecting the clusters from sunburn. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (13.2°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 62mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.
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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