The winter was mild with virtually no bud damage, and April and May were cooler than the long-term average with delayed bud break. Although May and June were very dry, approximately 60% below average, July was warmer than average, so by the end of July, accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) were close to average. Even though July rainfall was 20% above average, total rainfall for the growing season was a scant 14.9 inches, almost half of the total long-term average. By the end of October, accumulated GDD were close to the ten-year average. Disease pressure was virtually absent. The cool nights during the fall helped to retain acidity and freshness, while the warm days provided the grapes a sense of ripeness and balance.