Cold and windy weather when the grapevines are in flower can have a variety of consequences for grape clusters. The most widespread effect we saw in 2015 was a reduction in berry size within each cluster. Not only were most berries for each variety smaller than in prior vintages, but the clusters typically were a mixture of small two-seeded berries with many even smaller, one-seeded berries. Rosé wines are produced from destemming red grapes and letting the clear juice macerate with the red skins to pick up color and body. Experience has taught us how much time each vineyard lot needs to spend macerating. However, berry size affects the ratio of juice to skins so we had to decrease our skin-contact time in 2015 to compensate for the tiny grapes.

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