The run-up to vintage was characterized by a good “typical” Cape winter with loads of cold unit accumulation and good rains over days that really did much to replenish the subsoil water tables and flush built-up salts after the years of drought. The winter ran a little long and delayed bud break too. Budbreak was even, if a little late, and cool. Spring remained cool and saw numerous rainfall events that added disease pressure as well as compressing canopy work schedules like shoot thinning, wire lifting and leaf breaking. Cool summer conditions continued into January when vintage began later than usual. Vintage is characterized by alternating hot and cool conditions with small rainfall events throughout. A season where picking decisions and ph management in the winery were important.
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