The 2000 harvest year came early. After two late seasons in a row, it felt odd to be crushing grapes in August. The timing was deceiving as the harvest actually was lengthy, but the mild weather was ideal for maximum hang time for the grapes. The vintage had much in common with the 1997 vintage, with an early start and the larger than expected crop for white varieties. The fruit quality was outstanding and the resulting white wines exhibit a crisp acidity balanced with tropical fruit flavors. The quality of the red grapes bordered on greatness, with the resulting wines showing excellent depth and fruit.