The time of late summer and early fall is the most frenetic time for us at the winery. The change from summer bottlings, and preparations for harvest change into full on harvest mode in a matter of a week’s time. This year’s summer heat has encouraged the vines to expedite the onset of ripening, bringing an earlier harvest than expected. There are many positive aspects to an earlier harvest. One being that we will most likely be able to complete the harvest for all of our vineyard blocks before the first rain of the year. Another positive aspect is that an early harvest will allow slower ripening varietals (such as Mourvedre, and Petit Verdot) to come to optimum ripeness before temperatures cool down and inhibit ripening. All in all, our job as farmers and winemakers is to work with what mother nature gives us, for each year’s growing conditions make their imprint for better or worse on the wines of each vintage. This year’s harvest is shaping up to be one of our best with possibly the most evenly developed fruit set, and consistency of ripeness seen to date.