In contrast with previous years, the 2010 harvest is progressing at a relatively sedate pace. The key to this, of course, has been moderate temperatures. Past vintages have almost always been affected by heat waves at some point, which have the effect of causing many blocks to be ready for harvest simultaneously. When this happens the cellar gets put under some pretty serious pressure (to put it mildly).
 
However, the dominant influence has undoubtedly been unusually cool nights. Winemaker Christopher van Dieren recorded a temperature of 9 °C driving to the farm one morning last week. That's the kind of temperature that would not be unusual in the middle of winter!
 
Followers of Crucible Shiraz will be pleased to know that the 2010 harvest has fermented dry, which is fantastic considering that three vintages since 2005 have 'stuck'. We don't know yet whether it's going to conform to our quality standards, but it's certainly looking promising at this point.
 
Also promising is the first proper crop of our new Viognier vineyard. It has become vogue (some would say it's an affectation) in the New World to blend this northern Rhone variety with Syrah/Shiraz. This is something that generally only happens in the Rhone when the Syrah has not ripened sufficiently. Then the Viognier - which is prone to being over-ripe and blowsy - helps to give heft to the finished wine.
 
We have no intention of doing anything like this. We harvested the Viognier before it could get over-ripe, so it's remained fresh and vibrant (could this be the genesis of The Very Vibrant Viognier?). A portion of the wine was fermented in new oak barrels for additional complexity.
 
Overall, the vintage is looking good thus far.