This was a Biblical year in the industry - with frost, unseasonal heat and then unusual cold. This was the year when our proximity to the ocean and our steep slopes proved to be our salvation rather than a farming challenge. The damaging frost that destroyed so much of the 2008 harvest in the low lying vineyards did not affect the FORT ROSS VINEYARD - as the heavy, freezing air cannot settle on our steep slopes. Our proximity to the ocean also moderated the impact of the freeze and later the extreme heat that forced many vineyards to pick earlier than they had planned. We could then take advantage of the unusually cool weather during harvest and pick when the flavors were at their fullest.