This week we brought in quite a few of our Reserve blocks of Cabernet and numerous other blocks of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It looks as though the first big wave is over and at this point it seems that the “R” word is being seriously considered for this Friday night. That is right, rain is in the forecast. This year, however, unlike 2010 and 2011 we are not waiting for Brix to reach 24 praying that they will rise post rain. This year most every vineyard that we are sampling is already above 24, some are even higher This year I can enjoy the rain and the pause that it brings in the craziness without worrying that it is the beginning of the end of harvest. The wines that are in the tanks now look amazing. The colors are high, flavors ripe and concentrated and tannins soft and supple. I’m so excited about what we are seeing. It’s a great year to be starting at Robert Mondavi!