The 2018 Waltz is a blend of pinot noir fruit from three terroirs: Naramata Bench, Summerland and the Similkameen Valley. Higher than average snowfall levels over winter contributed to high soil moisture content, encouraging greater than average vigor. A cool spring resulted in a slightly delayed bud break, but by flowering, growth had caught up to average timing for the valley. Warm and dry weather encouraged good fruit set with a potential for high yield. However, there was disease pressure through most of the growing season, which reduced the eventual crop size. Also, during mid-summer, several weeks of smoke from distant wildfires in the region caused extensive sunlight blocking. This reduced photosynthesis and slowed down the onset of veraison. Though delaying harvest slightly, the smoke cover also helped to mitigate extreme high temperatures, allowing for greater fruit development. Strong diurnal temperatures around harvest encouraged the retention of acidity in the fruit, lending to balanced wines. Overall, 2018 was a cooler year than average, with moderate yields and healthy fruit of excellent quality.