Yesterday the vineyards were cold and empty. Having been just pruned they were only skeletons of what they were at harvest. Then today it happened. The green starts to explode from vines that looked more dead than alive and another vintage is upon us.  There is nothing that fills my soul with optimism has much as when the buds break in the vineyard each spring.  I can't help but think of the potential we have each year to craft wines better than we ever have before. My optimism will soon be challenged when I'm awakened by the howl of the wind machines raging through the Napa Valley as the still cold spring nights threaten frost. However, the weather report shows no danger, this week anyway, so today I'll just enjoy the beginning of another vintage, each of which is a unique experience.