2011 gave Napa Valley wineries and winemakers yet another colder than average growing season.
 
Following a wet winter and spring, rainfalls this year continued into June (!) and negatively affected the bloom and fruit-set in the vineyards resulting in lower yields than usual due to shatter.

For Release Winery unfortunately also so.  

Continous cloud-cover and cool temperatures during July kept the ripening process at a very low pace.
   
While this may worry winemakers aiming to produce big, bold, blockbuster-styled wines high in alcohol this actually fits our style and vision at Release perfectly.