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1991 vintage guide for Washington State Merlot

Washington State Merlot 1991: Drink soon

A difficult harvest produced a number of structured, well-balanced wines

Weather Conditions

Though it turned out to be an outstanding vintage, the year began by establishing a dubious record on December 28, 1990 which saw the temperature plummet to 10F/-12C below freezing which brought about a vine problem aptly named winterkill. The freezing days ultimately reduced the crop by about 50 per cent. Cool weather remained through the spring which delayed budbreak by about a month. The vines were able to catch up to the normal cycle since they were not carrying much of a crop. Veraison was on time and was followed by pleasant harvest weather. The picking was in full-swing by mid-September with picked by month’s end. So much attention was focused on the winter freeze that the overall good quality of the red wines was almost overlooked.

Best Appellations

See best producers

Best Producers

Chateau Ste. Michelle (Indian Wells) Hogue Reserve, L’Ecole No 41, Andrew Will

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