A wet winter finally broke the drought in 2017. The rain was a blessing as it refreshed our soils and water quality. Conditions were peaceful and warm during budbreak and early spring. However, the cool conditions during flowering prolonged the process, led to very small clusters and resulted in miniscule yields. In many cases, we saw roughly 50% of our normal yields. It was certainly a year with some of the smallest yields and earliest harvest dates for us (with a few of the first picks coming in mid-August).
We experienced great growing conditions in June and July before a suddenly cool August. The weather changed radically again in late August and early September with heat spikes and rain events starting Labor Day and continuing to September 10th. There were also unusually humid conditions for the first half of September, but miraculously the rain skipped over our vineyards. We were able to harvest some fruit prior to the warm periods that graced our blends with freshness and structural integrity. We also harvest selected blocks after the heat had passed, giving wines with density and power. The combination of these characteristics resulted in wines of purity, balance and complexity.
As always Todos possesses the most exotic, complex and compelling aromatics of the lineup. Highlighted by black truffle, jasmine, five spice, black pepper and clove. Driven by dried blueberry, Mission fig and aged balsamic. Hints of dried tobacco, mint and baking chocolate combine with a tidal wave of velveteen black fruit on the palate. A wine of extreme power, but also delicate and proportional balance. Strikes me as the most approachable Todos since 2006 and also possibly the finest since that date. - Winemaker