A late cold snap in the weather made for a slow start to budbreak this year. As a result, most varietals broke out closer together than usual, albeit about two weeks later than normal. Soon after, daily temperatures rose and gave way to a very mild spring, which is great for vine development and potential for good cluster formation. The first triple-digit temperature day on the Texas High Plains was not until late June this year, so the vines had low stress during their first few phenological stages (Bud Break, Cluster formation, Bloom and Fruit Set). July and August had typical heat waves with little rain in the High Plains, and thankfully, no hail this year! This moderate season permitted for slow and full ripening for our grower vineyards. Our fruit was able to come into the winery in a staggered procession that allowed for each variety to reach peak ripeness. All in all, I believe this will be a great year all around but especially for our later Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) because they were able to sit on the vine until physiologically ripe.

Ryan Miller – HFB Vineyard Logistics and Grower Relations