VINTAGE NOTES

The winter of 2017/2018 was again mild, with an especially warm February, but a cool April with some snow and ice pushed bud-burst back for an average start to the growing season. Once the summer finally started it was hot and humid, with prolonged periods of extreme heat. Luckily rain started in September, perfect to refresh grapes destined for early picking such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay for sparkling and Pinot Gris and Chardonnay for whites. Unfortunately, the rain did not stop and there was some pressure to pick late ripening whites and early ripening reds before disease set in. Gamay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Merlot had to be sorted in the vineyard and again on sorting tables in the winery to ensure only pristine bunches were kept. The rain finally subsided in late October so late-ripening varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon were harvested in pristine condition. Overall yields were low with intense ripeness in most varieties. Early picked whites are crisp and full of flavour while later picked reds are full-bodied with ripe tannins. Wines will be drinking well on release or can cellar for the medium term.