The main factor determining
grape yield in the
Adelaide Hills is the weather during the couple of weeks in Spring when
flowers become grapes. Being cold and wet at that time last year
(Spring 2005) meant poor flower fertilization resulting in smaller
bunches and lower crop levels in 2006.
Due to these low yields, generally dry conditions and a very hot week
or so in January, vintage started early and finished quickly.
Our Adelaide Hills vines
were dry grown
once more this year,
reflecting good intensity of flavours in the wines. We picked the
Chardonnay for our sparling wine on March 9th, Sauvignon
Blanc on the 13th March and Chardonnay for our unwooded chardonnay on
the 29th of March .
Once again the
2006 vintage has proven to be exceptional, producing grapes with great
depth of fruit
flavour and outstanding quality. Our new wine maker Tim
Knappstein, was thrilled with the quality of our fruit!
