The 2019 Vintage in Paso Robles
The 2019 vintage in Paso Robles is celebrated as a stellar year, known for its exceptional quality and flavor profiles. Much like its predecessor, the 2018 vintage, the 2019 vintage is often considered its sister vintage because of its similar conditions leading both to be outstanding years for Paso Robles. 2019 had favorable weather, allowing the grapes to develop beautifully balanced flavors and complexity. Keep reading to discover more about the 2019 vintage for BENOM Wines, from the growing season to harvest and vinification.
Overall, 2019 was a great vintage that began with solid winter rainfall early in the year, which pushed bud break until mid-April. The abundant winter rains helped replenish the vineyards' water reserves, which had been diminished in previous years. Spring and summer brought favorable weather conditions, with only a few heat spikes scattered throughout the season, which is expected for us here in Paso Robles.
When it came to harvest, we were fortunate to experience perfect weather, with temperatures never exceeding 93 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the season. This consistent and moderate warmth allowed the berries to ripen beautifully, resulting in the development of complex and well-balanced flavor profiles. These optimal conditions led to 2019 becoming known as one of the best recent vintages for Paso Robles.
The mild weather during the 2019 harvest allowed the grapes to mature at a natural pace. This strikingly contrasted the 2017 and 2020 vintages, which experienced triple-digit heat waves in September and October. These temperate conditions contributed to a balanced composition in the grapes, with balanced sugar and acid levels. Cooler temperatures helped preserve the acidity, preventing it from dissipating too quickly, while maintaining stable alcohol levels, resulting in wines with exceptional balance and complexity.
In terms of crop yield, 2019 was a typical year. We began picking Tempranillo from Caelesta in mid-September, with the rest of the varieties following slightly later. The Syrah from Spanish Springs was the last to be harvested, which brought harvest to a close at the beginning of November.
During this vintage, we decided to stop co-fermenting, marking a significant shift in our production methods. Additionally, many of the producers we collaborated with that year were new to us, bringing fresh perspectives and techniques to our winemaking process.
The 2019 vintage in Paso Robles stands out as a testament to the benefits of mild and stable growing conditions. The ideal weather patterns allowed us to grow grapes with perfect balance, resulting in wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of our vineyards. With this vintage, we strived to highlight not only the exceptional conditions of the year but also our dedication to never stop learning and adapting. Cheers!