2020 Pinot coming along
What a vintage…. In November and December I thought we were in for a shocker, sunburn and smoke were the big risks. First world problems, but stressful none the less. Thankfully the Yarra Valley avoided both of those, and the concern shifted to mould and mildew on the fruit after the incredible rain in January, through March. In the hills around Healesville we had so much rain (over 300mm in the first three months). We somehow managed to get all of the fruit in without being affected.
To add to the drama there was a period where growers weren’t sure whether pickers would be able to travel to the vineyards in shared vehicles, courtesy of covid, the new presence in our lives.
The crops were very small, 60% down was typical. This has turned out to be a blessing, as good fruit is expensive, and smaller than usual invoices for fruit have helped with the covid downturn (I buy 2/3 of my fruit).
Ok, enough about the potential problems… the good news from 2020… the wine is great! The Chardonnay is fine, delicious, with above average concentration. I’m thankful for the underground barrel cellar at this time of year, the chardonnay ferments tick along very smoothly in the 15-17 degree room.
The Pinot from Harriet’s vineyard is very concentrated and generous, starting to get a handle on how best to manage this vineyard after 5 years of looking after it. Pinot from Upper Yarra is fragrant and fine, sourced from Willowlake Vineyard this year. Cabernet and Merlot are both very well balanced with great natural acidity and fine tannins. Malbec crop was tiny again, but is a highlight.
Seasons like this highlight the need to work with good growers, it wasn’t easy for them. Here’s hoping 2021 is somewhat less weird.