2020 Vintage

A disturbingly dry and temperate winter led to fears of early bud break but light showers and chilly temperatures in early March held the vines back and frost damage, for the most part, was avoided. Ironically, in the end, the vines struggled to get going (as evidenced by the short internode length) and with light showers during bloom, set was below average in many vineyards. The pace picked up, however, with 7 days in June and another 7 days in July over 90 F. The heat only intensified in the remaining three months with 20 days over 90 F and 9 days over 100 F, including two back to back scorchers in September at 111 F. And, of course, 2020 will always be remembered for the multiple devastating fires. Between the heat spikes and the fires, production is half of normal in this vintage. However, the wines we bottled show no ill-effects from smoke and are delicious. Like 2019, they are lower in acid, full-bodied, and have soaring aromatics and deep flavors.