Average winter rains were followed by even budburst, with buds showing good fruitfulness. Frost damage was significant in mid-October and early November, reducing the flowerheads in the later-bursting varieties. Otherwise, spring was cloudy with good rains pre-flowering, followed by short bursts of hot weather in late November. Flowering was mostly early, occurring from mid-November onwards, with riesling showing the most consistent fruit set. The late-flowering varieties were impacted by heat at the end of November and showed some coulure in the bunches. Strong winds on 5 December 2020 damaged the canopies, but the slightly battered crop remained disease free. January was dry, with a burst of heat prior to a perfectly timed rain event at veraison in early February. The lead up to vintage was cool, cloudy and mostly dry, resulting in balanced acidities and good aromatics in the white varieties. After our coolest summer for 19 years, a dry and warm autumn provided near-ideal conditions for ripening in our red varieties, achieving sensational colour, flavour and tannin maturity. The weather conditions during the 2021 vintage allowed for the natural development of Noble Rot. Overall, the wines show great balance and potential for ageing.

Momo