2006 Vintage was the earliest vintage on record. Tasmania experienced a normal cold winter followed by a wet spring. Despite the cool winter and wet soil budburst was two weeks early. This moisture resulted in good vigour and full canopies. Fine weather persisted throughout November and December and resulted in flowering being two weeks earlier with good sets in our region. Due to our move to single arm cane pruning (thus effectively reducing crop levels by almost 50%) the overall yield was down about 10-15% than usual. Warm weather continued throughout January, February and March. Disease pressure was fairly low except for powdery mildew that was more evident than usual due to some overcast weather in January and April.

Harvest commenced 27th February with Pinot Noir, (clone 114 that is an early ripener) picked at 13.3 beaume. Vintage proceeded quickly from then on, grapes coming in good condition with no disease. In the winery the 2006 vintage is characterised by elegant steely whites and rich darkly coloured reds with good tannin. After the great 2005 vintage 2006 is shaping up to be just as good.