September saw high temperatures which accelerated ripening, and we picked just beforesmoke from wildfires blanketed the area. There was no evidence of smoke taint in the fruit nor the finished wine. This wine was barrel aged for 28 months in 100% new oak and 19 months in bottle prior to release. This wine has notes of bittersweet chocolate, baked cherries, worn saddle leather, black sesame seeds and vanilla.  Drink now through 2036.