vintage report 2001
The 2001 vintage was preceded by a cool winter that kept the vines dormant. The Chardonnay vines burst first in the last week of August with the other varieties following in an orderly fashion. The growing season in general was very good with mostly mild temperatures with some hotter spells in December and March. There were only limited falls of rain but due to the generally mild conditions the vines were not too stressed.Extensive netting was needed in all blocks as birds had little native blossom to feed on and found the grapes very tasty. Harvest of all varieties proceeded at optimal ripeness and the overall feeling in the region is that 2001 is a very good vintage.