The 2010 growing season was another viticultural challenge. Early spring was warm and mild, allowing bud break to occur under good conditions, with the Chardonnay on the 15th of September and the Pinot Noir around the 18th. In October the weather began to get cooler which led to slower vine development. Flowering began about 7-10 days later than average with the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the 16th of December. This period continued with cool temperatures along with rain and even some hail damage which caused concern. Into January the cool weather persisted with only two 30 plus degree days until mid February when the growing season was rescued by an extended warm, dry and settled period which lasted until mid May. Although the change only included a handful of 30 plus days, many others were in the mid twenties. Apart from the wet period mid December the remainder of the growing season although cool was quite dry thus preventing disease but we were never far from drought. The late Indian summer really moderated what was looking like a poor year.

Viticultural management consisted of opening up the canopy to allow sunlight to aid ripening. Considerable fruit was removed to strike a balance between the weather and vine in this difficult season.

Harvest began a little earlier on the 30th of March 2010 beginning with Pinot Noir from the upper terrace and ending on the 6th May with Cabernet Franc from the lower terraces. Despite weather problems during flowering the quality in all varieties was very good. The fruit in all cases was clean and showed a degree of varietal flavour and a natural acid balance. The grapes were hand harvested and collected in 500kg plastic lined wooden bins.

Overall the yield was considerably down as our plan to plan to leave Chardonnay and Riesling for late harvest wines was ruined by a late Autumn storm, together with a significant amount of fruit removal balancing the vines to the cooler growing season. A total of 68.2 tonne was picked.