News> Harvest Report 2005

Harvest 2005 started on 9 February and ended on 23 March. We harvested a record 350 tons which presented our cellar with some challenges in our cellar. This tonnage is a direct result of our virus free vines coming of age and producing not only superior quality, but also quantity grapes.

This year’s harvest will be remembered as one of, if not the driest in history. The previous winter and spring were also dry, but fortunately with no negative effect on bud or berry set. The dry conditions also kept disease at bay, resulting in very healthy grapes.

The early ripening season, although warm, was very even, with no high spikes in temperature. This resulted in a steady and even accumulation of sugar. Sugar levels, phenolics and colour were much more evenly ripened than in previous years.

When the traditional heat wave came, it found the sugar levels much higher than in previous years. Thus the flavour impact on the grapes was less and the “cooked” taste associated with high sugars is virtually absent.

In the cellar the wines are showing very well with ripe berry fruit on the nose and with good palate weight. Tannins are ripe and very well integrated. Thus far, the vintage is looking very promising.