The 2009 growing season was a viticultural challenge. Early spring was warm and mild, allowing bud break to occur under ideal conditions. The Chardonnay on the 25th of September and the Pinot Noir around the 30th. The weather continued to be warm but with fewer 30 plus degree days than we would “usually” expect. From mid January the vineyard was heading for drought conditions similar to 2008, perhaps even drier. In February, rain combined with warm conditions caused disease to appear in some of the thin skinned or tight bunched varieties. We then moved into an extended warm period that lasted through out autumn and the harvest period. This allowed the disease to dry out and prevented further spread.

From a viticultural management perspective, considerable time was spent opening up the canopy to allow sunlight and wind penetration to aid ripening and reduce disease stress. This has an added advantage of reducing the yield and should see an increase in fruit concentration in the wines of 2009.

Harvest began a little earlier on the 30th of March 2009 beginning with Pinot Noir from the upper terrace and ending on the 8th May with Late Harvest Chardonnay from the lower terraces.  Despite weather problems the quality of fruit in all varieties was good, as hand picking allows clean fruit selection. In this season a considerable amount was left behind for the birds.  The fruit in most cases was sound and showed a degree of varietal flavour and a natural acid balance.  The fruit was hand harvested and collected in 500kg plastic lined wooden bins.  Overall the yield was slightly down over 2008 with a total of 138.6 tonne.