Vintage Report – Shingleback Wines

Vintage Reports

2021

Good winter and early spring rains were followed by a generally dry and temperate growing season. Good flowering conditions, particularly for the later ripening varieties, resulted in higher berry numbers per bunch. Canopies developed well and were balanced to the slightly above average yields. We started harvest with Pinot Noir for Rosé on the 3^rd of February and finished with Touriga Nacional for red on the 8^th of April. Slow and steady ripening, without excessive heat events, resulted in superb varietal fruit intensity with balanced natural acidity and fine tannin structures. The 2021 McLaren Vale vintage was simply outstanding and the resulting wines a joy to craft.

2020

Despite a very dry August a wet July in 2019 brought winter rainfall (233mm) close to the average. The relatively cool winter resulted in mid-September budburst, more in line with long term averages. Good rainfall in September was followed by a dry October and November. A record hot spring day on 20^th of November (39.9 C) followed by several days of very high winds affected cultivars flowering at the time, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, reducing berry set. Hotter than average spring temperatures along with a very hot December and high evaporation meant strategic and timely early irrigation was critical in setting up vine growth and maximizing fruit quality. The upside of these conditions was very low levels of pest and disease. McLaren Vale was fortunate to be unaffected by the devastating fires across many regions.

The season turned on the 4^th of January and the following months were cooler than average. A timely rain in early February revived vines without causing berry splitting. Harvest started mid-February with Pinot Noir for Rosé. Chardonnay and Fiano were picked by the end of the month. Starting with Tempranillo and Shiraz, reds were picked from the end of February to the end of March. Cool conditions allowed a steady and calm progression through harvest despite the challenges of Covid 19 restrictions.

Our reliable region and resources, including our very talented vineyard and winery teams, have resulted in 2020 Shingleback wines of excellent quality and generally only slightly lower quantity.

2019

A dry winter required early strategic supplementary irrigation on the Davey Estate to assist with bud burst and early canopy growth. Flowering and berry set were good and crops appeared slightly above average. A hail event and strong winds on the 21st of November damaged newly..

2018

After a dry start to winter we had good rainfall, ending up 10% above the long term averages, flushing and filling soil profiles to saturation. Although a mid-September bud burst was later than recent vintages it was in line with long term averages. Spring rainfall was well below average, resulting in low disease pressure.

2017

Healthy soaking winter rains continued through spring and into early summer setting up good canopies without the need of supplementary irrigation. Wet soils and a cool start to spring resulted in flowering being 3 weeks later than in the previous years. Good fruitfulness of the vines and higher bunch weights..

2016

Winter in 2015 was relatively dry and although totals ended up near normal rain events were spread out with few heavy soaking rains. The spring that followed was exceptionally dry resulting in low disease pressure but requiring early irrigation to ensure balanced vine canopies.

2015

Average temperatures for August through November were significantly above average with September 1.2 degrees Celsius and October 3.7 degrees Celsius above the long term average. Not surprisingly bud burst was early and vines grew quickly and strongly setting up excellent pristinely clean canopies for the season.

2014

Harvest started early on February 5 with the McLaren Vale whites being completed before the rain on the 13th of February. McLaren Vale again proved why it is the most reliable wine grape district in the world with less than 50mm of rain falling at the Davey Estate, compared to more than 125mm north of Adelaide.

2013

A little supplementary drip irrigation was needed from around the New Year to help the vines through the hotter weather and ensure the berries achieved the varietal flavours, ripe tannins and balanced acidity that are the precursors of good wine.

2012

We picked our first white, Semillon, on February 8th and were well into Shiraz by late February. Sugar levels climbed quickly and in a very timely fashion nature delivered 60mm of rain on the last day of the month. Luckily, canopies dried quickly and there was no splitting.

2011

Good winter rainfall refreshed the soil and delayed bud burst. Balanced and attentive hand pruning set up open canopies with the right crop levels for the cooler year that unfolded. Rain events meant that timely decisions and precise application of protective strategies were essential.

2010

2009

Soils held moderate moisture levels from winter in the lead up to the 2009 vintage. Some early irrigation was required to compensate for ongoing drought conditions. Vine canopies had moderate shoot growth with good internode spacing, negating any requirement for summer trimming.

2008

Good winter rainfalls, followed by ideal spring and summer conditions created strong, healthy canopies in balance with the slightly above average yields. The whites ripened early with intense fruit flavours and balanced acidity. Harvesting commenced in mid February and was completed over the following 10 days.

2007

The 2007 vintage will be remembered for the driest winter and spring on record. Early recognition of the severity of the drought triggered supplementary irrigation as early as bud swell. Unlike many other areas, McLaren Vale was relatively unaffected by frost.

2006

Good spring rains created strong canopies that helped to see the grapes through some hot January weather. The burst of heat reduced vigour and led to slow, even ripening. The result was the early development of rich, vibrant varietal flavour.

2005

A cool summer and perfect dry, warm autumn in 2005 will possibly see it be recognised as one of South Australia’s greatest vintages. All varieties fully ripened with intense fruit flavours and balanced natural acidity. The reds were vibrant in colour with mature, textured tannins.

2004

The three vintages preceding 2004 were climatically very different: 2001 – hot, 2002 – cool and 2003 – dry. The 2004 growing season was climatically normal with good spring growth and a long, dry autumn. Ripening was slightly later than usual with whites being picked in mid-March and reds in late March to late April.

2003

Low winter rainfall and a dry spring reduced yields and provided concentrated small berry fruit. The vineyard teams dedicated attention to detail and perfectly time supplementary irrigation assisted the vines to produce fruit with outstanding colour and depth of flavour.

2002

Harvesting finished in mid April after a long, cool, dry season. These mild conditions produced intensely coloured reds, complex, ripe berry fruit flavours and velvety tannin structures.