Once again, our carefully selected site has enabled us to escape the frosts of early spring that touched a number of growers in the region. Cool temperatures, overcast conditions and constant wind during spring did affect the physiology of the vines. With the slower rate of shoot growth, our lifting of foliage wires and stringent canopy management procedures had to be delayed by a few weeks.

We experienced rain patches during December and mid January, with a warm patch of weather over the Christmas period.

February had a few warm days, which coincided with “Black Saturday” in Victoria. The average maximum temperature experienced in February was 23 deg.

Yields were reduced by around 50% as temperature and light have an important influence on flowering and fruit set.
Vintage commenced on 18 March and we finished picking Merlot and Nebbiolo on 23 April 2009.

Out continued perseverance with organic fungicide and nutrient sprays, canopy management and biodynamic preparations has been most rewarding as we have prevailed in what was a most challenging year for powdery mildew control in the region.

At this early stage our sparkling bases are looking very promising.