On 13 Oct, one week ago, the Napa Valley Vintners Association presented its 2009 harvest report to the media. Winemakers hailed the vintage as phenomenal: even, steady, no frost damage nor smoke taint, as in 2008; exceptionally bright flavours across all varieties; no multi-day heat spikes; phenolic maturity and ripeness without excessive sugar and alcohol.
That evening, rain fell throughout northern and central California, and continued to dump the next day between two and five inches in a 24-hour period, depending on location. Vintners who spoke so positively at the NVV press conference also acknowledged the impending storm, but said...