Region: Margaret River (55%) + Adelaide Hills (45%)

2010 in the Margaret River region was another sublime season for the region. The growing season was warm and dry following a winter which had rainfall returning to long term average levels. There was 855mm of rainfall from May to September whilst in contrast only 76mm fell in the next 6 months from October through to the end of harvest in April 2010. The relatively dry spring ensured a successful flowering period during November and December resulting in good fruit set across all varieties. Vintage 2010 began with a rush in early March as some hot weather accelerated the ripening of the Sauvignon Blanc. The season, however, turned out to be ideal for sauvignon blanc and the resulting wines are exquisitely balanced with naturally integrated acid, ripe flavour and good concentration.

In the Adelaide Hills, the 2010 growing season commenced with welcome winter rain which filled profiles in the soil to saturation points not seen in the past three seasons, following this was good rains into spring and after budburst reminding us of a typical Adelaide Hills spring. At flowering a burst of heat in early flowering favoured the white varieties and then this was the last of summer heatwaves for the vintage; the result is thought to be one of the best seasons for the white wines for some time. Natural acid was the order of day with the whites having the highest acids seen in any vintage. The cool weather conditions at the onset to harvest meant the sauvignon blancs displayed a focused, complex blend of primary tropical fruit and secondary, subtle herbaceous characters.