The growing season got off to a great start, with higher than average rainfall volumes falling in both Winter and Spring, giving us an total annual rainfall of 657mm for the year.
Regular rain events occurred through September to November, with December recording lower than average rainfall. These excellent conditions saw strong canopy growth and average to above average yields developing.
The beginning of summer was dry, yet mild, with only 3 days of temperatures exceeding 40˚C, just prior to Australia Day. This was followed by a significant rain event of around 50mm, which increased the disease pressure on some varieties that were approaching their harvest date.
February and March were also dotted with rain events, with 50mm and 60mm falling respectively, again leaving certain varieties close to harvest susceptible to fruit breakdown. The timing of picking was critical to the overall wine quality.
Overall, the season was around 2 weeks later than usual, with the vintage starting on 17th February with Alpine Valleys Pinot Grigio. The majority of the fruit was harvested in the second half of March, and into April, with rain events around Easter seeing our intake accelerate throughout the month of April, with the last fruit harvested on 30th April.
Quality is good, with white varieties showing lovely aromatics, and plenty of natural acidity, ensuring good longevity in the bottle. The red varieties show a diversity of style, with Shiraz performing well again across multiple sites, and our old vine Pinot Noir and Gamay looking particularly strong.
Our fortified varieties were unfortunately very low yielding and variable in quality. Our Portuguese varieties were affected by late rain, so we made the decision not to pursue a Vintage Fortified from 2021, but we have some real highlights in our Muscat and Muscadelle (for Topaque) from our Carlyle vineyard, which appear destined for our Grand and Rare soleras.
I am sure we will discover more vinous treasures in the cellar as time rolls on.
