A Short Crop Gets Shorter

September 9, 2022

Harvest Update:

The heat spike over the last week has compounded the effects of the already- light crop, resulting in lower yields throughout the Central Coast. We’ve heard that parts of Monterey County are down as much as 50%, and Santa Barbara County is estimated to be 30-40% down. As one winery buyer stated, the heat “blowtorched” grapes on the vine, leaving exposed fruit shriveled and desiccated. As Paso Robles starts picking its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, we are expecting that yields will be lower than expected as well.

For Bozzano clients that are in the market for bulk wine, or expect to need bulk wine after this harvest, it is very important for you to contact us now so that we can get a head start on what will be a low supply/high demand market. Please do not wait too long, especially if you have a specific need for higher volume, unique varieties, or AVA specific wines.

Bulk Market Updates by Variety:

Cabernet Sauvignon:

We are still seeing demand for Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, but serious buyers are currently few and far between. Prices are slightly less than last year at around $10-13 per gallon.

High Quality Red Blenders:

Recently we have had a handful of buyers reach out to wanting high-quality dark blenders, specifically from the 2021 vintage. If you have blenders available please reach out to us and we will do our best to find a buyer.

Sauvignon Blanc:

Due to the increased demand of Sauvignon Blanc and the frost earlier this year, coupled with the recent heat wave, Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc will be in short supply this year. If you want 2022 Sauvignon Blanc contact us now, and we’ll make sure to let you know as soon as available lots hit the market. Pricing for 2021 Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc was $14-17 per gallon, and we expect this pricing to hold throughout 2022.

Pinot Noir:

Up until a couple weeks ago, we would have said that “everyone has too much Pinot”. But then that heat wave arrived, and Monterey County started picking out short. While we currently have significant volumes of both 2020 and 2021 Central Coast Pinot Noir from premium Central Coast sub-AVAs, we expect demand to increase soon. 

Rose:

If you’re on the fence about making Rose this year specifically for the bulk market, take this as your sign: we still have over 600,000 gallons of bulk Rose available at extremely low prices. The days are unfortunately over of selling your saignee to make a little extra profit. Dump your 2022 saignee juice down the drain now, so you don’t have to be stuck with the taxes once it’s fermented into wine.

International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show 2022

Anthony Bozzano was honored to have a chance to speak regarding “Tips for Spot Market and Strategic Sourcing” at the 2022 International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show. If you were not able to attend but would like to view the presentation, please click here: 2022 IBWSS Conference | Tips for Spot Market and Strategic Sourcing | Anthony Bozzano - YouTube