Winter and spring 2016 saw rainfall averages well above normal, with heavy rainfall experienced between May and October. This coupled with high water releases into the Murray River system saw our Sunday Creek vineyard and parts of our Carlyle vineyard flooded in late September, into October. This put extreme pressure on the management of the vineyards, as we could not access them for around 4 weeks. Thankfully, summer was relatively dry, with less than average rainfall levels, which helped maintain the fruit quality. Yields were high, with some varieties cropping between 30-50% higher than average. These parcels were bunch thinned at veraison to achieve vine balance, giving good airflow, and reducing the bunch numbers to promote concentrated fruit flavours. A low level of supplementary irrigation was required to maintain good soil moisture levels and canopy health.
Vintage started much later this year, commencing on 2nd March, around 3 weeks later than last year’s early harvest. The first variety to be harvested was our Sunday Creek Frontignac. March saw a continuation of the warm, dry conditions experienced in summer, which allowed for a slow and steady development of sugar and flavor in the fruit, which meant for a slower paced start to the vintage. Three rain events in April saw the pace pick up, leading to the last fruit being harvested on April 28th, being Muscadelle and Muscat from our Sunday Creek vineyard.
Quality is good, with white wines showing lovely delicacy and elegant fruit aromas and flavours, with great natural acidity. Our red wines have terrific colour, with attractive fruit lift, and strong varietal definition. Our Portuguese varieties for our port styles performed very strongly this year, and our Muscats and Topaques show lovely perfume and elegance.
