2002 Vintage

A hot, very dry summer that ended in early October with persistent rains. The whites were harvested under ideal conditions, much like the 2001 vintage. Most of the reds were ripe, but diluted from the late rains.

The white varieties fared best with wonderful mineral, fresh aromas, and focused acidity. These wines will age gracefully, especially the Chardonnays and Late Harvest.

The Merlot was the star of the red harvest with great ripeness and suppleness. The later red varieties were subjected to cool rains through October. Although they achieved ripe tannins, which gives the wines a very supple texture, there is a lack of depth and concentration with the exception of some lots of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2009.

Jim Law