Vintage Notes

Similar to the previous two vintages, the 2016 growing season continued to push the envelope for defining the new normal in Oregon as one of the earliest on record. An unusually warm spring brought bud break between 2-4 weeks early, and a short heat spell at bloom condensed the flowering period, resulting in a smaller fruit set. Summer provided average conditions with fewer heat spikes than the 2014 or 2015 vintages, which led to smaller berry size and a high concentration of flavors. A warm August shepherded along the early vintage at Brooks, running from September 2-October 12th. Though it was an intense growing season due to the early start, the harvested grapes showed wonderful concentration and complexity with high natural acidity.