2019 will be remembered as the hottest summer on record, exacerbated by a dry winter and early spring (July to October rainfall was only 105mm, compared with a long-term average of 275mm). November and December were then tropical in comparison – higher average maximum temperatures and 50% more rainfall than the long-term average. This weather pattern saw terrific growth in the vine canopies, with the frequent rains turning the vineyards a vivid green. However, it also meant our vineyard staff was arriving for work at 3 am so that they could get protective sprays on the vines before the heat. The weather bureau had consistently forecast a warmer and drier than normal summer, and this finally eventuated after Christmas – January saw seven days over 40 degrees, with an average maximum temperature of 35 degrees – 5 degrees hotter than average. February temps were just a fraction above average, but the heat was relentless, and there was no useful rainfall for the month so it remained exceedingly dry. We had new soil moisture probes installed in early spring, and these proved very useful in managing irrigation during these dry months. The vineyard staff regularly ground- truthed the probes by digging holes alongside the rootzones, providing real time moisture availability information. Despite the heat the fruit didn’t ripen as rapidly as anticipated, and we started vintage relatively late on the 19th of February. Ripening continued to be steady even though the hot days and warm nights continued, which allowed us to bring in fruit at optimum ripeness and without a rush. There is a general theory that the vines shut down at temps over 35 degrees, and this may have been the cause of a later than expected start to vintage. And the end result? Yields for Whites are down on expectations, but quality is good, with Riesling and Marsanne being standouts. The Reds appear to have fared better yield wise, and have bright fresh fruit, depth of flavour, with rich, full palates. It looks like being a very good Reds year. Neil Larson – Production Manager/Winemaker 03