Vintage Report 2010

After a cool summer, the latter half of the growing season was warm dry and very friendly for grapegrowing. With no disease pressure, much like the previous “perfect harvest” of 2009, the harvest went ahead with zero stress from any climatic factors. Temperatures over the ripening period of March and April were well above normal and the vines responded with some lovely ripe fruit flavours evident, even early in the harvest.

Pinot Noir in particular looks very good for Spy Valley this year with excellent physiological ripeness even at moderate sugar levels. Colour is dense without having a “big” structure and fruit flavours look bright and immediate.

Sauvignon Blanc shows a lot more variation between vineyard sites this harvest, and variations of cooler and warmer spells during the harvest have resulted in a wider flavour range than the previous few vintages. Harvest started in early April and continued through for another three weeks. Expect slightly higher alcohol and a vibrantly fruity Sauvignon Blanc from 2010.

The other varieties all look very good again, with such a wide picking window all fruit was harvested at optimum ripeness, and this year even later ripening varieties such as Merlot and Syrah look very promising. 

We are also looking forward to a late harvest Gewurztraminer, which at the moment ( 17 May ) is still looking like it will need further time for the development of Noble rot to make a late harvest style. Stay tuned..