Reflecting on the 2022 Napa Valley Vintage
The 2022 growing season in Napa Valley brought early rainfall relief, moderate temperatures, and a fast paced harvest. As winter settles in, the focus shifts to barrel aging, racking, and blending, where Winemaker Lauren Kopit refines the next generation of Sterling wines.
The 2022 Growing Season in Napa Valley
The season began with below average rainfall, extending California’s drought conditions into a third year. Fortunately, several significant rainfall events replenished reservoirs in Napa and Sonoma, improving early vine health compared to 2021.
For the first time in several years, frost appeared early in the growing season. Coastal vineyards were largely protected, and moderate temperatures through harvest helped ensure healthy canopies and balanced ripening.
Harvest began earlier than usual, moving quickly through:
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White varieties
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Pinot Noir
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Red Bordeaux varieties
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Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
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Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2022 vintage is expected to show:
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Deep flavor concentration
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Robust aromatics
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Structured tannins
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Classic Napa Valley character
Winter at the Winery
While vineyards rest, the winery becomes the center of activity.
Winter is a crucial time for barrel management, clarification, and blending decisions that shape the final character of each wine.
Topping Up Barrels
Oak barrels are porous, allowing small amounts of wine to evaporate over time. This natural evaporation is known as the “angel’s share.”
Every six weeks, each barrel must be topped off to:
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Replace lost wine
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Prevent excess oxygen exposure
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Maintain ideal aging conditions
A controlled amount of oxygen enhances complexity, but too much can compromise fruit expression and structure.
Racking and Returning
To maintain clarity and prevent reductive qualities, wines undergo a process called racking and returning.
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Wine is transferred from barrel to tank.
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Barrels are cleaned to remove sediment buildup.
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The wine is returned to barrel to continue aging.
This process improves texture, freshness, and aromatic precision.
Blending the Vintage
Winter is when Winemaker Lauren Kopit begins shaping each vintage’s final expression.
As she describes it, this is the time for “getting to know the wines again.”
Blending involves:
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Evaluating individual vineyard lots
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Balancing tannin structure and acidity
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Refining aromatics
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Determining final composition
The team is currently tasting:
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2022 white wines
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2021 red wines
Both vintages are showing exceptional promise in balance and complexity.
Why Winter Matters in Winemaking
Although less visible than harvest, winter is one of the most influential seasons in wine production.
It is when:
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Barrel aging deepens flavor
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Oxygen management shapes structure
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Blending defines house style
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Future releases begin to take form
This quiet season ultimately determines how the vintage will express itself in bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the 2022 Napa Valley vintage?
Moderate growing season temperatures, improved rainfall compared to 2021, and an early harvest that produced concentrated fruit with vibrant aromatics.
What is “angel’s share” in winemaking?
Angel’s share refers to the small amount of wine that evaporates naturally through oak barrels during aging.
What is racking and returning?
A clarification process where wine is temporarily removed from barrel, sediment is cleared, and the wine is returned for continued aging.
When does blending happen?
Blending typically occurs during winter and early spring as winemakers evaluate individual lots and determine final wine compositions.
As winter continues at Sterling Vineyards, the 2022 vintage rests in barrel, slowly evolving toward its final expression. We look forward to sharing these wines with you soon.
