Harvest Summary

2010 VINTAGE

HUNTER VALLEY

Good early season rains followed a very early budburst in late August with even growing conditions continuing until Christmas.  Ripening commenced in mid December and with the very low seasonal crop levels the harvest was the earliest for decades.  All major varieties were picked before the first rains in late January.  Semillon and Chardonnay were both good to very good and our Shiraz blocks were picked with great colour and structure at over 14Be.  Cropping levels for Shiraz were 0.5 to 1.5 tonnes/acre and we expect the wines to be classics.

Tonnes Picked: 134.5
Dozens: 9684

ORANGE

The 2010 year produced some difficult climatic conditions and it was a credit to our Vineyard Manager that we avoided the disease problems that plagued much of the region.  Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay were both of good quality and our Venus Block Chardonnay will be very good.  Low crops led to early ripening of Pinot Noir and Merlot which were both harvested in good condition.  Shiraz also ripened well and the top parcels are showing early promise- possibly the star of the vintage?  Cabernet was good but will struggle to match the excellent wines of the previous two years.

Tonnes Picked: 70
Dozens: 5040

WRATTONBULLY

A cooler year than the previous two vintages led to good even ripening conditions and a normal to slightly early harvest.  Crop yields were low to medium and fruit quality in Cabernet and Merlot was good to excellent.  Our top Merlot parcels were the best ever from our Wrattonbully vineyard.  Shiraz this year is lighter framed but our Gravels Block produced wine of good colour and power.  Pinot Gris came off in good condition and our Bernard Clone Chardonnay block produced wine of delightful flavour and balance.

Tonnes Picked: 257.5
Dozens: 18450

COONAWARRA

The 2010 vintage in Coonawarra was relatively mild and even without any of the extremes of recent years.  Harvesting starting in mid March with Merlot and continued until Early April when the last Cabernet was picked.  Mid row cover crops are now fully developed on the vineyard and they kept yields to low to medium levels.  The resulting wines are well balanced with good flavour, colour and intensity.  Cabernet Sauvignon in particular will be exceptional.

Tonnes Picked: 49
Dozens: 3528

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