These steep hillside vineyards grow in well-drained soils, giving the grapes excellent classic Cabernet characteristics. This vintage was marked by another dry winter and a continuing drought in California. A lack of significant rainfall after the first of January, coupled with a windy spring caused shatter. This led to a yield decrease of 33%. A record heat wave in early September saw temperatures rise to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in certain parts of the Dry Creek Valley. With limited water and smaller berries, the challenge was to pick as fast as possible before dehydration. The result was incredibly concentrated and ripe fruit with intense color.