No one should write off this smoke-shrunk vintage. There are apparently some beauties to be winkled out – from the best producers. See also Elaine on Napa's 2020 whites.
The 2020 vintage is unfortunately notorious for West Coast wines. The fires that took over regions from British Columbia to southern California brought a difficult start to the decade and have created ongoing conversations about smoke impact in wine. I have spent the year speaking and tasting with producers to understand the best advice for wine lovers.
The most important thing to understand about the reality of smoke impact on...