The 2018 growing season was one of the driest years in the agricultural history of the Willamette Valley, and the driest year in Cristom’s 27 years of farming this land. The overwhelming majority of the Cristom Estate is dry-farmed, thus creating challenges with low water availability. Fortunately, their older vines fared well, their deep roots driving down into the volcanic hillsides, seeking out the water held there. This allowed more “hang-time” for the fruit, creating brighter, blue-fruited wines. Showing surprising complexity and firm structure in their youth, these wines will age well for years to come.