vintage report 2010
The 2010 Vintage was another sublime season for the Margaret River wine region.
The growing season was warm and dry following a winter which had rainfall returning to long term average levels.
Whilst the vines were dormant from May to September the weather gods brought 855mm of rain. In contrast only 76mm fell in the next 6 months from October through to the final day of harvest on 11 th April 2010. Two days later the region received a deluge, with 49mm falling at Higher Plane over a 12 hour period. Thankfully the 2010 Higher Plane vintage was safely fermenting away in the winery.
The dry spring ensured a successful flowering period during November and December resulting in good fruit set in across all varieties. Varieties which can in some seasons be susceptible to poor fruit set (Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet) this season produced large, well set bunches resulting in higher than average crops, but still well less than 10 tonnes per hectare.
Vintage 2010 began with a rush in early March. The hot weather accelerated the ripening of the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. After the first pick of Chardonnay began on 26th February, batches of white fruit poured into the winery, with the final bunch of Semillon picked 11 days later.
After this initial hot and frenetic start to vintage temperatures moderated leading to a long ripening period of March and April which was near to perfect for ripening of the Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlots' flavours, tannins and sugars.
Upon harvest the red varieties featured great colour, ripe flavours, good acid levels and silky tannins; whilst the white varieties showed good acid retention, and excellent intensity and spectrum of flavours.
In particular the season has been ideal for the chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and semillon. The resulting wines are exquisitely balanced with naturally integrated acid, ripe flavour and good concentration.
And, the latest word from the Higher Plane team is that the 2010 is the best Chardonnay ever….