Growing Season Notes

2005-06 growing season

A classic year in the Gibbston region. There was low rainfall, ensuring low botrytis pressure and balanced vine canopies, while temperatures were impeccable in December, with no cold snaps, ensuring a spectacular fruit set. Later in the season good daytime temperatures persisted, with night temperatures dropping away in early March and staying low to ensure high diurnal range, and the long slow ripening desired for Pinot Noir in particular. Wines made reflected this and are showing early indications of excellence.

2006-07 growing season

This season was very dry, even more so than the 06 season, however 3 cold snaps during the month of December 2006 left the clones that were flowering at that time with very low fruit set and crop. Conversely. grapes flowering after the end of these cold snaps had improved set. The balance of the season was also much better, with some excellent temperatures and conditions, including a long slow ripening with good diurnal temperature ranges. Wines from this vintage are showing great density and increased spice and savoury nuances.

2007-08 growing season

Another classic year for Anthem. There was again low rainfall, ensuring low botrytis pressure and balanced vine canopies. There was a fantastic fruit set due to perfect temperatures at that time with no cold snaps. The hot, dry weather continued throughout the season, with colder nights in march staying low for high diurnal range, and the long slow ripening desired for Pinot Noir. We ended up picking in the snow as we waited as long as possible for the fruit to be perfect. The 08 Pinot Noir is proving to be spectacular with the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer also proving to be fantastic. This is a season similar to 06 and the Pinot noir is showing great promise even as it is in final stages of malolactic fermentation.

2008-09 growing season

This season has started off with some challenges. A late frost affected many vineyards in the region with Anthem getting off lightly. High Rainfall in December and early January meant that we did not have to water the vines until mid January with the typical Gibbston valley heat arriving with gusto at that point. Constant temperatures in the high 20's and early 30's since then mean that the grapes are coming along very well.