FROM a grape grower’s perspective these warm, dry days are a perfect, poetic finish to an excellent growing season. Time will tell if 2016 is as good a season as 2015 but if these conditions persist it will run a close second.
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The rain, which most people got, has freshened the vines for the business end of ripening.
The hail, which was thankfully confined to a strip west of town, has meant that some growers are working hard to maintain healthy crops.
At the lower vineyards of the region harvest is underway and at the higher parts, fruit for sparkling wine will start coming in next week.
Fruit quality is looking very good with chardonnay having the twin blessing of quality and quantity.
Across the region cabernet sauvignon looks to be ahead of usual and of excellent quality - cabernet works well in these warm growing seasons. shiraz is also looking good with moderate crops and the usual excellent berry colour.
In the words of one local bard preparing for Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival ( February 17 - 21):
…there was movement at the winery, for the grapes were nearly done
and the barrels from down south had not arrived
it’s the vintage of the century - we want every bloody tonne
don’t cross the winemaker, or you’ll get skinned alive.
Happy vintage. Cheers.
strawhousewines@gmail.com