The 2009 vintage in Washington State was a warm one. While the average heat units for our vineyard is 2600, in 2009 we accumulated 2861 during the ripening period. By the 3rd week in September, pretty much every variety on the farm was at a brix and pH level in the harvest zone. Due to the fact that everything was ripening at once, it became a mad scramble to bring in the fruit at its ideal ripeness. This was accentuated by the freeze event that occurred on the morning of October 11th. Temperatures fell to 19 degrees in the vineyard, resulting in the rapid defoliation of our vines. This event quickened the pace of harvest as fermenters were piled sky high in the cellar to bring in the fruit before it lost its flavor. The 2009 vintage will be marked by ripe flavors, and lower acidities than normal in typically high acid varieties. While it was a hectic harvest, it is one that achieved a high quality.

Our family farm dates back to the 1940s when it was founded by H. Lloyd Miller. He had an immense love for trees and planted them strategically around the farm. Over the years most of the original trees disappeared, with the exception of one Lone Birch. This Lone Birch has become a cherished landmark on our family’s farm. Today, this tree stands guard over the vineyards, which lie beneath its limbs.