Vintage 2017 update

Vintage 2017 is off to a late start for Katnook Coonawarra.  Here is the latest from our team on the ground.

Viticulturist, Chris Brodie.  The season to date has been cooler and wetter than last year, reminiscent of vintages 10-15 years ago.  Compared to last vintage we are also much later, therefore the acid balance should be excellent in the final wines.  There have been no significant impediments such as prolonged heatwaves, rain, frost etc.  So, looking forward to some terrific fruit quality. 

Winemaker, Wayne Stehbens.  Compared to recent vintage starts, Katnook is around 2 weeks later than usual.  We commenced harvest on the 2nd March 2017 by picking Pinot Meuniere, Pinot Noir (both for sparkling base) and Sauvignon Blanc.  The fruit was in excellent condition, with high natural acidity and great flavours at low sugar levels.  This week we will finish Sauvignon Blanc and make a start on the Riesling, followed by Chardonnay in mid-March.

I expect the harvest for red grapes will start late March.

The long-term weather forecasts are for drier than average temperatures being only slightly above average. Unless this forecast changes dramatically, my expectations are for a very good to excellent vintage.