Vintage 2018 is remarkable not just for the “compactness” of ripening across different varieties and sites, but also the amazing quality of the grapes and the stunning performance of the vines.
Picking started quite early at the beginning of February, and except for one day on which we couldn’t pick because of showery weather, we hand – picked continually until late April, when we concluded vintage with our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Yes, there is a tendency for vignerons to talk up just about every vintage! But quite seriously, this vintage reminds me of the fabulous 2005 vintage – which, until this vintage, I regard as the best I have ever experienced in Tasmania.
Fruit quality was sensational – clean, full flavoured and despite the long warm weather, it did retain its Tasmanian attribute of refreshing, balanced acids, avoiding the “dullness” that can occur through excessive heat. We had no problems with disease or insect damage, and strangely even the birds were fairly quiet. Silver (White) Eyes seemed to stay further south and clear of the vineyards and we hardly saw any flocks of starlings. The vines handled the higher fruit loads with ease, which I attribute to the generally dry winter and spring enabling the survival of the deeper roots ready for the summer.
So all in all, a most rewarding – even enjoyable (!) vintage 2018. We shall keep you posted on the progress of the wines.….
Cheers, Fred
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