2018 Vintage Notes: A normal start to the growing season with bud break in mid-April was followed by a fairly typical bloom in mid-June. While the summer of 2018 was warm and very dry, the temperature never reached above 100F, keeping the vines developing without a damaging heat spike. As harvest neared in early September, fears of fruit ripening too fast from an extended dry period had winemakers throughout the Willamette Valley concerned about having to pick before flavors were fully developed. Fortunately, rain in mid-September slowed ripening to an ideal level and allowed for an extended, and rather measured, period of harvesting fruit. Picking dates for Pinot Noir began with the first pick on Sept. 7 on Ribbon Ridge and continued throughout the month with the last pick occurring October 3 at the Coast Range estate. Balanced wines with excellent structure, classic Pinot Noir color and higher acidities are hallmarks of 2018. The vintage is one of harmony and balance that is expected to produce long-lived, outstanding wines.