Who said Mother Nature is predictable certainly not a Napa Valley winemaker! Warm late summer weather segued into a cooling trend in mid-September, with a touch of rain, all starting to show the beginning signs of fall. The result of the changes in weather? The picking of white wine grapes nearing is well underway and, in some areas, nearing completion. Medium-bodied reds, like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah are in full swing. So where does that leave Cabernet? Well, we are happy to say that the picking of Cabernet is has started up and down the valley. We’re hearing of great balance and color in the juice that is being pressed. The few hot days we’ve had will soften skins, and the upcoming cool weather trend should allow the rest of the fruit on the vine to slowly develop to perfection.