■The 2014 vintage was a repeat of the warm 2013 vintage with heat units nearly
identical, and no unusual winter frost, pest, or disease pressure.
■ Bud break was early, followed by a warm spring and relatively early bloom. Fruit
set was near ideal. Slowing tactics were implemented such as delayed thinning
and leafing to delay veraison and ultimately harvest.
■ Temperatures cooled mid-August stretching out the hang-time to complete
veraison. Berry size and berry count per cluster were slightly up resulting in
healthy crop yields.
■ Modest fall day-time temperatures and cool nights resulted in a rich and vibrant
structure with bold color development. Overall warmer conditions delivered ample
sugars and surprisingly strong acids, particularly in our higher elevation sites.