Excellent winter rain in 2009 set the scene for a very good 2010 vintage. While the total amount of rain that fell was on long term average, it fell in solid blocks, filling the swamps in the region and percolating through into the underground aquifer.

November saw an early heat wave during flowering and produced a light set in late ripening varieties particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

The overall season was warm and mild with regular small rains, keeping the vines fresh.

Harvest started very early with handpicking Chardonnay on the 25th of February with most reds coming in during March. The winery was exceptionally busy during March with the last Balnaves fruit coming in on the 7th April, just before a break in the season and significant rain, which brought a rapid and abrupt end to vintage in the region.

Quality looks very good to excellent, with fantastic colour and bright fruit flavours. Tannins were a little behind in maturity but are balancing out in wood. The wines are solid without being big and show good fruit- tannin balance. We did a lot of long maceration on our better parcels and these responded well to time on skins.