2010 vintage report for Limestone Coast Bordertown

Supplied by Jeff Flint, of Wirrega Vineyards
Growing season: Good winter rains and a dry October provided a strong start to the season resulting in good vine growth. There were no frost problems but a six-day heatwave in November sped up flowering which went from onset to 80% capfall in six days over all varieties, causing some fairly frenetic spray activities. There were some adverse affects on fruitset with hen and chicken apparent, particularly in varieties such as Tempranillo, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, due to the heat. The remainder of the season provided ideal growing conditions without any prolonged extreme heat. Healthy canopies remained all season. A couple of significant rain events later in ripening caused some disease problems in later-picked blocks, particularly Petit Verdot.
Vintage: Vintage began, on average, two weeks earlier than the previous season for the earlier varieties, with one block of lighter-cropped Shiraz picked 26 days earlier. As vintage progressed, the picking came more into line and finished on average dates for an eight-week period. Winery space became an issue mid-way through with rapid advancement of ripening due to ideal climatic conditions and rain concerns in other areas.
Yields and quality: Block yields were a bit varied with Cabernet Sauvignon being slightly lighter and Shiraz coming in on average or slightly better than estimated. Overall, regional yield average was 11t/ha, with higher-yielding Shiraz blocks around 12t/ha and lighter Cabernet Sauvignon blocks around 8.5t/ha. Varieties are predominantly red and all yielded good quality overall, with Cabernet Sauvignon showing particularly good flavour development due to the lighter crops and extended maturation.

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