The growing season started with a fairly normal winter with slightly less than average precipitation amounts. In mid-May at the beginning of berry set, we received over five inches of rain. This unusually colder and wetter weather, however, provided a natural irrigation for the dry-farmed Zinfandel vines that would help carry them through the hot summer. Yields were up with full berries and big clusters. Fruit thinning was done to allow more even ripening and help to balance out the vines. Moderate temperatures at harvest time allowed for good hang time and optimal ripening.