A dry winter gave way to moist, calm and warm Spring conditions with the most vigorous growth I have seen since we planted vines in 1979. By early Summer (at the start of flowering) the weather had turned cool and wet, once again resulting in low crop levels. Since then growing conditions have remained vigorous but with continuing cold spells extending the growth season so that an early harvest is no longer expected. At this point conditions seem to favour bold flavoured, short to medium term wines and a dry Autumn will be important for limiting their herbal and herbaceous characters. |
