Past Vintages
2004
Without excessive heat, and with little rain during the final weeks of ripening
and harvest, this was a beautiful year. The long winter and cool summer put
harvest back two weeks. A poor fruit set was compensated for by larger berries.
2003
Temperatures were slightly warmer than average and rainfall was well below
average. While this resulted in smaller berries and bunches, the quality
of fruit was excellent, with harvest earlier than normal in the dry conditions.
2001
A warm year with generally good conditions, despite spring being wet and humid
with resultant disease pressure continuing through a hot and humid summer.
Rain held off at the crucial time and harvest was completed before a wet
end to March.
1999
The year alternated extreme heat with high rainfall periods in February and
March. Consequently there was some splitting and shrivel and the vintage
was adversely affected.
2002
Summer was very cool after a dry winter. Flowering, ripening and harvest were
all delayed in this unusual weather period. Very high acid levels were recorded.
Despite being a climactically challenging vintage the Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir quality was outstanding.
2000
The very hot summer caused early leaf deterioration and some discolouration
of Chardonnay due to sun and heat exposure. However reasonable soil moisture
assisted the vines through the heat and vintage was overall of a high standard.
1998
After spring frosts caused widespread shoot death and loss of 70% of Chardonnay,
the rest of the season was ideal although dry. Harvest was later than normal
but flavours were excellent .