Vintage 2010
Now that the once-green vine leaves have taken their last gasps and the vineyard reflects more muted autumnal colours, it is a beautiful time to dwell on the craziness that has been vintage.
This year marked a turning point in McLaren Vale with our superstitious wine fraternity able to let a smile creep across their collective face as we put to bed some stunning wines. By all accounts the last three vintages have been rewarding yet challenging, but for me, 2010 is a standout.
This vintage saw the ripening period free of damaging heat waves and rainfall, with the vines maturing the berries in a sedate and leisurely pace that delivered intense flavour. It is only after these berries are picked and the wines in barrel that the vintage seems to be spoken about, for fear of counting the proverbial chickens.
I expect that the wines we made this year and especially the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, will be heralded as one of the best five vintages of the last generation. I tasted some barrel samples which have shown suitable structure to lay down and enjoy at my god children's 21st birthday many years from now.
In the meantime, relax in the knowledge that some wonderful wines are maturing in our cellars with a group of viticulturists and winemakers looking on with pride.
Cheers
Tom Harvey
