It's a Mystery
In 2019, there were 136 days from bud break until harvest for the Syrah, and 129 days from bud break to harvest for the Cabernet Sauvignon. This year, there were 156 days from bud break until harvest for Syrah, while the Cab got a later start by about 14 days. Both varieties were picked on the same date this year,
Both 2019 and 2020 had similar growing seasons with heavy rains in May followed by two dry months, a typical (3.5 in. of rain) in August. Rainfall in May this year was substantially more than in 2019, but a rainy August is beginning to look like the norm, making harvest plans difficult.
In spite of the similar weather and a longer growing season, the grapes in 2019 achieved higher sugar than this year. The 2019 Syrah was picked at 22 degrees Brix while this year all I could get was 19 degrees Brix. On the other hand, the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked at 19.2 degrees Brix, versus 18.5 degrees in 2019. I'm not sure what to make of these differences when cast against the longer—but similar—growing season this year.
Perhaps it will show up in the wine.
One thing is certain: I would have preferred a little more hang time this year to see if the sugar would improve.
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