2010 Viticultural Vintage Report
22 March 2010
Peter Lehmann Wines Vitculturalist Nigel Blieschke shares his thoughts on the 2010 vintage from the vineyards perspective, dirt and all.
The 2010 vintage commenced on February 4th with the Margaret Semillon grapes being harvested from the Light Pass and Vine Vale sub regions. The vintage commenced five days later than in 2009, which was the earliest vintage on record.
The 2009/10 growing season began in late August with bud burst on average 7 to 10 days earlier than in 2008. The early budburst was attributed to the warmest winter on record with mean minimum temperatures well above average and no winter frosts.
After the drought of 2008, 2009 was an average year for rainfall and the vineyards of the Barossa started the season with a full soil profile for the first time since 2005.
Early spring was relatively cool with very slow vine growth through much of September and October. November on the other hand was the total opposite. In early November, South Australia recorded its first official November heat wave with 7 out of 9 days above 40 degrees. Fortunately these extreme temperatures were followed by 24mm of rain which helped rehydrate many thirsty vines and after this initial heat the weather remained relatively mild.
Despite the early heat wave the vines developed strong healthy canopies and given the mild summer leaf health, was very good coming into veraison. Veraison began in early January and given the vine balance, progressed quickly in all varieties.
As most varieties flowered at the same time the 2010 vintage has been one of the most condensed seen in the Barossa with crushing expected to be completed by the 25th March compared with 17 April in 2009. This is the second earliest finish to vintage ever.
At this early stage the wine quality is looking very promising with both whites showing intense varietal characters and the reds excellent colour and flavour.
Cheers
Nigel Blieschke
Peter Lehmann Wines Viticulturalist
