Description

Rainy days were spread out evenly over the course of a warmer than average winter (November to March: 31.2 inches total, 11.2 inches in March). With soil water reserves full, vines grew quickly with dense canopies. Bloom and veraison unfolded in warm and dry conditions and one heat spike of 103 F was recorded on July 26th. Ripening slowed down in August because of coooler temperatures and late morning fog. Fruit de-leafing and higher temperatures in September (99.2 F on the 18th, 100.8 F on the 25th, 100 F on the 26th) helped fruit to ripen consistently.