Russian River Valley, California
The 05 Vintage crush is underway as of yesterday in the Russian River Valley Appellation of California, but yields are off to a slow start. One of the varietals to be hit by meager tonnage this year is Pinot Noir, which will obviously drive prices up for this vintage considering that it is the grape with the fastest growing demand. However, thanks to new acreage coming into production this year, yields will be up for other varietals including Chardonnay.