This vintage was cooler than average in the Adelaide Hills—with a cool spring and long, cool, wet summer. But, luckily, one that resulted in some excellent parcels of fruit. But it didn't come easy. There was a lot of challenging disease pressure in the vineyard, and picking decisions were taken with great bravery and holding of the nerves!

But despite all the stress and sleepless nights, we ended up with a lot of excellent fruit across all our varieties. Our Shiraz, the last variety off the vine, was touch and go for a while there—with the concern that it might not beat the cool weather to get to full ripeness. Luckily, the greater powers were on our side, and we have some lovely peppery cool-climate Shiraz in barrel.

Throw into the mix a vintage baby (well-timed Tom!) and a wedding, and it's safe to say vintage this year was nothing short of well-managed chaos. But coffee, beer and the catering of The Olive Branch at Balhannah got us through. Cakes, snacks, lunches — you name it, we got it. So, a big thank you to the Olive Branch crew!

Now, with all fruit in and the hills looking rather autumnal, it's time to take a breath, take stock and tend to this year's spoils.

Cheers,
Adam