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  • Country ranking ?

    355
  • Producer ranking ?

    29
  • Decanting time

    -
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Vintage 2021

2021 Barossa Valley Vintage Report

Following two particularly dry seasons, many were hoping for Mother Nature to be much kinder, and mostly she was. Winter rainfall in 2020 recorded 148mm, the same as winter 2019, (22% below average). The majority of this rainfall was in the latter half of August, with the rain continuing into September and October. This was ideal timing to replenish soil profiles to field capacity moving into budburst in October. However, dry conditions ensued throughout November and into summer with the growing season rainfall from October to March measuring 129mm, 42% below average. The calendar year of 2020 recorded 455.8mm, 160mm higher than 2019.

Some frost damage occurred on 27 September, when temperatures plunged to -0.3°C. However, many varieties were only just emerging and widespread damage thankfully was avoided.

November recorded 4 days above 35°C, pushing the monthly maximum temperature to 28°C - 4°C warmer than previous years. However, conditions throughout summer were relatively mild with December recording its lowest maximum temperature since 2014, and all months recording monthly maximums below average. Cool, dewy mornings and maximum temperatures below 30°C for the majority of January provided optimal ripening conditions.

Conditions were quite favourable during flowering, allowing bunches to set and good fruit development. Veraison started in late January-early February and the cooler conditions and some rain in early February helped to plump up berries and provide some relief to soil moisture profiles. Minimum temperatures for February were 1.4°C below average and maximums were 1.2°C below average.

Whilst yield varied between vineyards, it was welcome relief to achieve close to average crops in comparison to the last two seasons.

There was much anticipation that labour resources required for hand picking would not be available this vintage due to border closures, but with the cooler weather slowing ripening, vintage was less compressed than previous years and it was much easier to source labour than first thought. Harvest continued well into April as the dry Indian summer continued to ripen the grapes.

Quality is exceptional across the varieties and styles from 2021. Reds have intense, rich and balanced flavours and colours; whites have lovely aromatics, finesse and great natural acidity.

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Written Notes

Coming from multiple sites and clones, the parcels used were lighter in body and fruit weight, producing lighter, elegant fruit flavours. All parcels were treated in respect of the unique qualities coming from our vineyard sites through natural fermentation with varying solids levels, judicious amounts of French oak and battonage programs tailored to the individual batch. The aim being to produce a delicate, balanced and complex Chardonnay with a clean bright palate. The result is a typical Vasse Felix varietal Chardonnay from Margaret River. 

A year of peculiar weather where our commitment to organic viticulture was vital to the successful growth of quality, balanced fruit. A cool and wet spring prompted the need for an intense leaf plucking program to mitigate disease risk. December and January luckily were very warm and dry, then canopy management was a priority throughout February and March to combat unusually warm and moist conditions. A rainfall event in early February provided a timely drink for the red varietals, followed by warm weather which was ideal for the Chardonnay to achieve ripeness. A second rainfall incident in early March was followed by sunny and breezy conditions to dry off the fruit for healthy ripening. With our judicious canopy management and a crop of naturally resilient grapes, we are pleased to say that fantastic quality fruit was ripened and harvested with little-to-no disease in our vineyards.

Bright pale straw. NOSE Harmonious fine fruit with savoury complexities, displaying perfumes of nashi pear, Granny Smith apples and nectarine skin with hints of lemon butter, herb salt, crushed shells and a hit of Chinese five spice. PALATE A seamless palate with acidity that is so soft, yet shows stunning freshness. Creamy yet vibrant. This is a cool year, that shows restraint and super-fine balance.

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Origin

Wilyabrup, Margaret River
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