2022 Pulido~Walker Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder Estate Vineyard

The 2022 Napa Valley growing season was a study in contrasts. An atmospheric river dumped more than four inches of rain in a 24-hour period in October of 2021, capping a two-year dry spell and setting up the vines with a good amount of ground moisture as they woke from winter dormancy. The rains petered out fairly early in the spring of 2022, however, ultimately making for a smaller crop.

The summer months were relatively uneventful, despite being on the warmer side. We saw better vine development than in the two previous seasons, with a full canopy that would stand the fruit in good stead when the thermometer spiked in September. With the Labor Day heat event, what had been a fairly sedate growing season became a critical test of our abilities.

As temperatures across the valley rose above 110°F and stayed there for several days, we were grateful for the elevation of the Mt. Veeder Estate Vineyard, as even a few degrees’ relief made a clear difference in how the vines reacted.