The 2016 vintage was the beginning of the end of the enduring drought. Ample rainfall in the winter months filled reservoirs and soil profiles and allowed a strong start into the growing season. Warm weather in mid-February led to early budbreak, but we were fortunate not to see any frost damage to the vulnerable shoots in spring. The post-bloom period was consistently warm and steady throughout, and there were only two smaller heat events. A few cool weeks in August followed and brought plenty of coastal fog to protect the developing fruit. We saw steady fruit ripening with aromatic and phenolic development in sync with sugar accumulation. The result was healthy fruit with high flavor and aromatic concentration plus good acidity—the perfect combination for a one-of-a-kind wine