Vintage 2011 We had good winter rains after a few seasons of below average rainfall. This was a late season: budburst was approximately 2-3 weeks late, and harvest started similarly behind our standard season (we usually start picking Chardonnay in early/ mid February). This year we picked whites in late February/ early March. Unseasonal rains in March threw a spanner in the works somewhat, but luck and good management helped us dodge most of the bullets. Whites are terrific, as is the Cabernet Sauvignon and our best parcels of Shiraz are incredibly bright, balanced and reminiscent of our 1999 reds, which have incredible longevity. Potentially 2011 is a standout Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot year (we were still picking PV in late April). Overall this was a very long vintage with moderate yields which tested Joch’s nerves a little more than usual.
Winemaking: Grapes were picked early at just on 11° Beaumé to help preserve freshness, then gently pressed and then taken through a slow, cool ferment in stainless steel tanks. We want to retain every delicate character of the grapes in the final wine, and so to this end we allow the wine time on lees, which also helps add palate weight and complexity.