A generally good to very good vintage in California even thought the start was inauspicious, to say the least. Winter was cold and very dry and spring came earlier than normal. Fortunately there was an outbreak of exceptionally heavy rain in March just prior to bud-break.

Spring was cool but the flowering was successful and even ensuring a potentially large crop. The cool temperatures ensued throughout much of the summer with the exception of a hot spell in mid July. What made the vintage was the Indian summer that most regions enjoyed ensuring that the grapes ripened fully and that the harvest could take place in ideal weather conditions through to the 25th October before the rains set in.

The crop was very large and good wines were produced across the board. Pride of place goes to the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons which are ripe, well-balanced and possess good cellaring potential. These are not blockbuster wines and the emphasis is on finesse rather than richness with the wines being well structured and displaying fine acidity.