This has been one tough week here in the Napa Valley. Early this past Sunday, a new fire erupted just north of St. Helena. Since then, it has burned the hills around both Calistoga and St. Helena, and through parts of this beautiful Valley. It has filled the Valley with thick smoke. It is heartbreaking to watch as friends and family lose their homes to this awesome force of nature.

We have been fortunate at B Cellars. We were able to harvest and process over half of our projected fruit, as measured in tons. Our preliminary taste and lab samples indicate that most of this fruit was not likely harmed by the smoke from earlier fires. Up until the very end of the season, the growing conditions were close to perfection, and the quality of the fruit we have harvested is exceptional.

Working with nature is humbling. Every vintage is different. Every vineyard is different. Working with nature is also reassuring. Every vintage brings a new set of challenges, a new set of opportunities. We will do what we always commit to doing: make the best wine that we can from the grapes this vintage has given.

Thanks for being a part of B Cellars. We look forward to hosting you again, very soon. Until then, we’re going to stay safe and work hard at finishing up these fermentations and getting the rest of this vintage barreled down in the caves.