The Wahluke Slope, but there was plenty of heat to go around
this summer. Even the Yakima Valley, known for cool climate grapes, came up
with enough heat units to ripen Bordeaux reds this year.
There was little to complain about this year, except maybe
high sugars. The season started normally with no frost here in the Rattlesnake
Hills. Early season was normal with little hint of the heat to come and stay.
Because of the sustained high temperatures, powdery mildew was not a problem.
Veraison occurred about ten days early followed by a dry, beautiful, sunny
fall. The harvest was a wrap by mid October - then is started to rain and is
raining still - great moisture for heading into winter.
2014 Degree Day Summary (WSU AgWeather.net)
|
AVA
|
GDD
|
|
Wahluke
|
3929
|
|
Red Mountain
|
3599
|
|
Horse Heaven
|
3446
|
|
Rattlesnake Hills
|
3430
|
|
Walla Walla
|
3321
|
|
Yakima Valley
|
2986
|
How much warmer was it? Well here is the average of the last
six years which includes 2011, the coldest on record. (WSU AgWeather.net)
|
AVA
|
GDD
|
|
Wahluke
|
3342
|
|
Horse Heaven
|
2927
|
|
Red Mountain
|
2915
|
|
Rattlesnake Hills
|
2839
|
|
Walla Walla
|
2735
|
|
Yakima Valley
|
2468
|
It is interesting to note that Horse Heaven edged out
(though not statistically significant) Red Mountain over the six year period.
In conclusion, if you are growing heat-loving vines like
Zinfandel or Italian varieties, Wahluke is the place to be. On the other hand, for
cool climate Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay, head for Prosser. For Bordeaux
Reds stay in the middle.
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