2018 was another dry, but not particularly warm winter. This changed in early February. A system of high pressure brought daytime temperatures into the 70’s, warming the dry soil and initiating bud break in the earlier sections of some of our vineyard sites. In March an artic cold front settled in and brought nighttime temperatures down to freezing, risking frost damage to the new shoot growth. These ‘false’ springs, with record high temperatures have become much more common in recent years.
The Summer was mostly mild, leading to a normal to later harvest than other recent vintages. The wines are poised and complex with depth and structure. Yields were low due to the early spring, concentrating the wines and leading us to believe they have a long life ahead.

"The 2018 Chardonnay Damiana Vineyard is sublime. Nothing in particular stands out, as all the elements are so well balanced. Silky and caressing on the palate, the Damiana is so alluring. Tangerine oil, dried flowers, spice and chamomile all grace the palate. This elegant, classy Chardonnay is a knock-out. I especially admire its freshness and overall finesse." -Antonio Galloni, Vinous 95 points