The 2016 season was very dry with overall growing degree days within a normal range. The key difference from an average year, however, was timing. February temperatures soared well above the norm, in fact it was the hottest summer month since 1998. The resulting early seed ripening allowed picking at lower brix, and a cooler back end to the season provided good hang time for complete tannin ripeness. Only the oldest and most revered parcels of fruit are used in this, our premium Pinot Noir. The fabled Abel clone, allegedly smuggled from Burgundy in the mid-70s, makes up 40% of the blend. The result is a very complex, structured wine, beautifully perfumed in the classic Ata Rangi style.