(NBBJ) - In the 1993 comedy movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays a TV meteorologist covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pa. He soon finds himself repeating that day over and over. Sometimes it feels that way in the wine business — like last year is playing out all over again.

The North Coast wine grape harvest of 2011 came in below expectation and left many North Coast wineries on the short side, especially as consumers began trading upscale once again. Some wineries turned to the market for wines in bulk to augment short supplies — but they found that the inventory available was limited and prices had jumped. They would have to pay dearly if they wanted to protect their market share.

The 2012 grape market followed suit: activity started early, tonnage available was limited and prices were strong.