Vintage Weather
The 2003 vintage began with a shot of heat in March which brought an early bud break to our Estate Vineyard. Late rains and cooler temperatures in April slowed the pace of the season, offsetting the early start. The moisture in the soils from the late rainfall helped ensure excellent vine health for the growing season. Excellent weather prevailed for the rest of the summer, with a consistent pattern of warm to hot afternoons and cold nights. The temperate heat of the day allowed the grapes to ripen at an optimal pace while the cooler nights helped to preserve their natural acidity, ensuring excellent balance.

Bud Break
March 26th – 29th

Bloom
1st week of June

Veraison
75 – 95% Completed as of August 25th

Harvest
After the long, balanced growing season, a few days of 1000+ weather in September really helped accelerate ripening. Quite a few blocks ripened at the same time and were picked during the first early wave of Harvest beginning September 21st. The grapes picked in this period displayed high ripeness and sugar levels, and were similar in character to big, high-extract vintages like 1999 and 2001. The weather returned to a more even pattern of moderately warm days and cool mornings, allowing the rest of the crop to mature more slowly under these excellent conditions. The Cabernet picked during this second phase of Harvest, ending on October 29th, showed great complexity and balance and was similar in character to classic, long vintages like 1986 and 1994.

The Wine
In the glass this wine has a dark, deep color, revealing tremendous extract. The aroma shows both an intense cassis perfume from the early heat as well as a classic, dense-berry fruit quality from the slow maturation period in October. On the palate these qualities are evident in the high extract and tannins which are balanced by a supple texture and round, mouth-filling fruit flavors. This intriguing complexity will offer both excellent structure for aging and the silkiness to be enjoyed while young.