2006 Release Date: Mid-2009

2006 was the “year of extremes”. Spring lingered with cool and very wet weather, resulting in larger canopies in areas with deep soil. Crop size was average with slightly larger berries in some vineyards. In late June the heat kicked in followed by record temperatures in July. Careful thinning was required to remove sunburned fruit. Harvest began in early September, ahead of schedule, and growers were predicting a quick, early completion. In the third week of September, the weather changed again to finish out the season with the coolest harvest period on record. Col Solare vineyard sources, in particular, benefited from this cycle with good, early sugar maturity, followed by extended hang time and an 'orderly' harvest.