Series C Vertical

A tale of two seasons – give and take. In the shadow of persistent drought conditions, rains remained elusive in the post-harvest period of 2018. There was an upswing in rainfall toward the end of winter, continuing into spring and early summer. However, weather fluctuations in the spring contributed to an uneven bud-break and berry set. Conditions improved at the onset of summer with a warmer November, conducive to vineyard growth. Some variability in ripening caused by the irregular springtime conditions were remedied by in-bunch sorting after véraison to maintain quality. Harvest timing was, as always, at the beginning on February, continuing with a measured pace and fair weather through to the end. Mother Nature rebalanced the scales with beautiful soft rains, immediately after our last grapes were picked. This augurs well indeed for harvest 2020. A testament to resilience; despite the vagaries of the weather, wines of the vintage show freshness, concentration and elegance.

Twenty-two months in seventy-four percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak.

Twenty-two months in sixty-eight percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak. Series C 2020 consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (fifty-eight percent), Merlot (twenty-four), Malbec (ten percent) and Cabernet Franc (eight percent). Sixty-one barrels were produced.

Covid-19 and a year of firsts. When confronted with disruptions and uncertainties, it is said one should remain focused on the outcome, rather than the challenges themself. The 2019/2020 growing season brought fair and favourable conditions on the whole. Post-harvest rains in 2019 marked the onset of a wet, cold winter. With spring came warm, fair weather, resulting in an early (two weeks earlier) and even bud-break. This saw healthy, homogeneous shoot growth in the early season. Windy conditions during flowering led to some variability in berry set and produced looser clusters with small berries. Temperatures during ripening were moderate and without the usual heatwaves we have come to expect. This led to an even and measured pace in ripening and picking. Even with the uncertainty brought by the announcement of a national Covid-19 lockdown, on the 26th March 2020, we are grateful to have processed all wines safely to barrel before this time. While no-one expected the global outbreak of a pandemic on this scale, or the far-reaching ramifications thereof, we have remained positive, and will continue to do so. Wines of the vintage exhibit poise, concentration and a restrained potency. Hallmarks intrinsic to a future classic.

Twenty-two months in eighty-one percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak. Series C 2021 consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (fifty-seven percent), Merlot (twenty-six), Malbec (ten percent) and Cabernet Franc (seven percent). Sixty-seven barrels were produced.

Truly stellar. Ample rains followed an unusually cold and wet spring which continued into early summer, leading to larger vine canopies and requiring additional inputs to manage vigorous growth. Flowering was largely even, with good fruit-set, boding well for an abundant crop. Early growing season temperatures were cool to moderate, warming gradually toward ripening. Noteworthy was the lack of heatwaves normally experienced in February and March. This meant that water resources were less strained and bunches saw little to no sunburn. We were excited by flavours while tasting for harvest decision-making. Berries were supple-skinned, bursting with flavour, vibrant freshness and a bold tannin structure. Harvest began on February 11th ,only 3 days later than usual, and we were blessed with mild weather for the remainder of the season. Wines of the vintage are intensely coloured and show a sophisticated poise and gravitas.