The Oak Journal 5 Reasons Why the 2013 Vintage Is Epic
5 Reasons Why the 2013 Vintage Is Epic
Wine Education

5 Reasons Why the 2013 Vintage Is Epic

Each wine vintage is a unique story of place and time. While some years are picture-perfect and others keep vineyard and winemaking crews on their toes (quite literally, in fact, walking more vineyard rows than usual), the distinct wines that result are a celebration of all that occurs from budbreak to harvest.

2013 was a phenomenal growing season that resulted in beautiful, structured wines. I have a feeling that we’ll be drinking these wines for a long time to come, as the density of flavor and the tannic structure suggest they will age gorgeously.

Nate Weis, Winemaker

2013 is an extraordinary year, but it all comes down to your enjoyment of the wine. You may love vintages like 2013 with concentrated, robust flavor—or perhaps prefer wines from years like 2011, with elegant and nuanced character. Not sure where your tastes lie? That’s the beauty of wine—education is so delicious.

  1. Early to bud

    A warm, dry spring brought early bud break and kicked off a long growing season. The result? More flavor maturity.

  2. It’s (not) hot

    With only one spell of 100+ degree weather during the growing season, grapes matured slowly with all components—skins, seeds, sugars and phenolics—progressing at the same rate.

  3. The drought’s silver lining

    Less than average rainfall in 2013 made for concentrated flavor and phenolics.

  4. Linger on the vine

    Mild, sunny weather during harvest allowed the grapes to remain on the vine longer. Vineyard crews could pick at perfect ripeness.

  5. Proof in your glass

    2013 produced concentrated, structured wines to enjoy tonight or to add to your cellar.