2014 / 2015 Growing Season
Good early winter rains throughout June and July replenished soil moisture. August was dry, and the vines shot into life in September with a nice even budburst considering the cooler than average minimum spring temperatures. Welcome rain fell during flowering with no major impact on fruit set.
Warmer than average maximum temperatures were seen throughout late spring and early summer, encouraging ideal ripening conditions. The weather pattern then changed, turning cool after a rain event on 9 January and we experienced cooler temperatures throughout the month. This was ideal weather conditions, allowing the vines to maintain leaf function and general health as we approached the ripening period.
February saw a return to above average temperatures and this combined with very healthy canopies brought on fruit maturity beautifully. The vineyard was entirely handpicked with each parcel of fruit carefully selected. Harvest of the Shiraz started on Monday 16 February and continued through until the last Shiraz was picked on Wednesday 25 February.