The Spring of 2008 began slowly, with a late bud-break, followed by cooler than average temperatures. The summer was warm, but rarely hot, without the heat-waves that we have become accustomed to in the past few years. By early September, Oregon winemakers were worried that the fruit would not ripen in time before the fall rains began. However, September seemed just an extension of the summer as we basked in warm sunshine. October brought more of the same, and as the grapes ripened and developed their flavors, winemakers began thinking that, instead of a disaster, 2008 could turn out to be a great vintage. With great weather continuing thru the end of October, that is exactly what happened. The fruit matured slowly, with plenty of time to develop the complex combinations of flavors that Pinot Noir lovers seek. Harvest began 10 days later than average, with the last fruit picked October 26.