The gum trees on the Western side of the vineyard have been pulled down, and the vines on that part of the vineyard will be better off with less competition. The vineyard has survived the three days at 39°C really well, losing a few leaves which means better fruit exposure.
The fruit in the Sauvignon blanc remains quite shaded which is perfect. Sauvignon Blanc probably two weeks away from veraison, weather permitting.
The young Shiraz and Cabernet Franc vines have been severely bunch thinned to a maximum of 8 (reap 10) bunches per vine, and we will get high quality low crop fruit from both these blocks this year.
The Cabernet Sauvignon has a very open canopy, small berries and light bunches. Shoot thinning earlier on was very beneficial and we will not need to bunch thin the Cabernet this year. This will mean low yields, and great extraction.
