Helm Wines of Murrumbateman completed the 2019 vintage on March 27th with their Cabernet Sauvignon. The yields were slightly down on 2018 but quality was high across all Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.

The season was one of extremes with a record winter drought, record series of summer temperatures, storms, hail, floods, and dust storms, but the vines came through with high quality fruit.

Helm Rieslings vineyard had average-to-above yields of intensely flavour, balanced, disease free fruit without sunburn. This is due to the intensive management Helm Wines give to their vineyards, with minimum sprays, adequate watering to prevent stress or leaf loss, as they believe the “great Rieslings are made in the vineyard”.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are dry grown and have been for 5 years, with the 2019 season a real test for this vineyard management. The vines remained healthy and came through the extreme season with rich fruit flavours, low pH and moderate sugar levels and acid levels: a testament to the vineyard management.

Ken Helm, winemaker and director of Helm wines said, ”This season has galvanised my belief that grapevines are like weeds you can’t kill them, and they will produce quality fruit under the most adverse conditions, if given proper care”