A record rainfall ended our drought and brought huge relief to both farmers and vines! Summer gave us above average temperatures but we saw a cooler and foggy August slow down the vines and extend hang time. Then on August 26th a long heat wave set in with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for 12 days. The Merlot vines adapted by conserving energy and waiting for cooler weather before continuing to ripen. This extended hang time allowed for flavors to fully develop.