The 2023 growing season in Napa Valley was one of the longest in the last 20 years. Consistent mild temperatures and extended fruit hang time have us believing that 2023 will be an exceptionally high-quality vintage. A wet winter had already filled the reservoirs and saturated the soil, creating ideal conditions for healthy vine growth early on. The somewhat late arrival of bud break led to some canopy management and pruning challenges as we waited anxiously for fruit set. Our mature vines (originally planted in 1997) did not disappoint and ultimately delivered fantastic, high-quality grapes. Veraison occurred on June 10, and as we watched the beautiful warm weather extend into late autumn we decided to harvest on October 24. The long, temperate growing season yielded fruit of exceptional phenolic maturity, resulting in robust yet polished tannins and expansive flavor development. The end result is an amazing wine. We couldn't be happier.