The 2013 vintage on the Central Coast was outstanding, with neither excessive heat spikes nor cool stretches interfering with development. Fruit ripened evenly in these ideally moderate, dry conditions, building excellent ripeness and balance. The vintage has been compared to 2007, another year in which exceptionally high quality across vineyard blocks was noted.
The 2013 vintage got off to an early start in the Russian River Valley, leading the way to a long, moderate growing season. The summer was warm and sunny with minimal rainfall, creating the ideal conditions for growing flavorful grapes with excellent acidity.
The 2012 vintage was calm and cool along the Central Coast, allowing for an extended growing season. More time on the vine gave our Pinot Noir grapes an opportunity to develop rich, concentrated flavors. Warmer weather moved in at the beginning of fall, creating the ideal conditions for harvest. Wines from this vintage are showing expressive layers of ripe fruit flavor and elegant varietal expression.
The 2012 vintage in the Russian River Valley was phenomenal. A mild growing season with minimal rainfall provided the ideal conditions for even ripening. This outstanding vintage has produced Pinot Noir of intense color, stunning flavor concentration and excellent balance.
Although cooler temperatures delayed the 2011 harvest in the Santa Lucia Highlands, our fruit was allowed ample time for optimal flavor development. A cold snap accompanied by brief bouts of rain created less-than-ideal harvest conditions; nonetheless, the grapes produced high quality wines with concentrated flavors and excellent natural acidity.
Despite several challenges, the 2011 growing season delivered exceptional cool-climate fruit in the Russian River Valley. Though cooler temperatures and rain characterized much of spring and summer, strong Pacific Coast winds ushered in warmer weather in time for harvest. A relatively small but flavorful crop rewarded conscientious winegrowing and vigilance in the vineyard.