The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend are grown on the steep slopes of Ferrari-Carano’s LookOut Mountain which sits at the junction of Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Chalk Hill Appellations. This mountain vineyard, soaring in elevation from 500 to 1,400 feet, is comprised of ancient, weathered sandstone and sandy loam soils bearing low-yielding vines. The 2017 season began with record rainfall amounts during the winter, filling our reservoirs after four years of drought. Spring was mild, bringing favorable conditions during bloom, which led to a nicely set crop. We experienced more than an average number of hot days in early to mid-summer, and then record highs over Labor Day weekend. Fortunately, the vines were ready to handle the heat with adequate soil moisture supplied by all the rain.