Profit Panic

Here it is, the second week of October, and the word in the field is that perhaps 85 percent of Lodi’s grapes are safely on their way to becoming 2009 wines.

What’s left in the path of former typhoon Melor are what one prominent grower referred to as “My profit.”

The “all hands on deck” message went out on Sunday and Monday to try and bring in as many grapes as humanly possible to protect them from rot resulting from up to two inches of rain forecasted to drench vineyards on Tuesday.

As is typical, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and some Merlot and Zin are still hanging on vines. In other regions, such as Sonoma and the Foothills, a larger percentage is still out there.

One winemaker isn’t worried: “That will save me having to add water.” In other words, the vines will naturally dilute some already high grape sugars, resulting in alcohol levels that yeast can ferment properly.

However, most people forget that with rain comes slippery mud, making use of tractors or harvesters in the fields almost impossible.

If drying winds and warmer temperatures can improve conditions before another band of rain hits next week, 2009 could still be a vintage of excellent quality for all varieties.