The 2021 Barossa Valley vintage was proclaimed by many to be the best in living memory. A year that produced exceptional wine. Typically one generation of winemakers talks to the next generation about these truly great years. Promising their time will come to see the Barossa Valley at its absolute finest. However, our winemakers will have a two-chapter story to tell those that follow in their footsteps, with the 2022 vintage matching if not besting the almost perfect conditions of the 2021 growing and harvest season. 

Winemakers Alex Peel and Peter Atyeo file their annual vintage report. 

“The winter of 2021 delivered some of the best rainfall events we have seen for a number of years, 48% above the long-term district average. This enabled the vines to commence the growing season with a damp soil profile and abundant levels of sub-surface moisture to support new growth. Spring was cool, delaying flowering which extended over a longer than usual period resulting in some uneven bunch ripening at veraison (when the grapes change colour in late January).

On the 28^th of October areas of the Barossa and Eden Valleys experienced a severe hailstorm. Unfortunately, our vineyards at Seppeltsfield and Marananga were damaged, resulting in a reduction in consequent yields. Happily, our vineyards at Moppa were left untouched. Those vines impacted by hail recovered during the growing season, but we estimate approximately 30% of the crop was lost during this event.

Summer was very mild and cool for a second consecutive year, delaying the start of picking by nearly 1 month when compared with average of the last 10 years. This extended ripening, producing incredible colour and flavour intensity in the fruit and excellent tannin development. Harvest commenced on March 7 with the top section of the Apricot Block Shiraz, and finished on April 12 with the High Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon from Moppa.

The mild summer allowed slow ferments of even temperature, ensuring pristine fruit character retention. Much like the 2021 vintage, the wines across our vineyard portfolio are exceptional. Cabernet Sauvignon potentially being the standout variety for the season. Colour in all wines are black/purple with well-developed tannin structure. The wines in barrel have a youthful character to them, benefiting from extended barrel maturation to fully integrate the fruit and oak flavours. 

A truly remarkable year from quality again!!

Alex Peel (Chief Winemaker)

Peter Atyeo (Winemaker and Vineyards Manager)