From early winter through harvest, conditions could not have been more perfect. Late winter rains came at an excellent time and before the dormant vines awoke. Through spring and budbreak, the weather cooperated and frost was of little or no concern. The summer growing season was outstanding with moderate temperatures that paved the way for a huge set in the vineyard. Harvest conditions were superb with rain staying away. In the end, yields proved to be 20% over initial estimates and the 2012 vintage will go down as one of the finest in recent history.