VINTAGE 2021

The 2021 vintage was a classic for the Clare with cool and dry conditions producing solid yields and fruit with great varietal character and natural acidity.

Good late-winter and early-spring rains led to an even budburst, good early canopy growth and contributed to mitigating frost damage. Dry conditions prevailed from November onwards, with rainfall well below average for the remainder of the growing season.

Weather conditions from mid to late November were ideal for flowering and good fruit set was achieved. Bunch number, bunch size and berry size were higher than crop estimates in most varieties, with overall yields the best since 2018 with early indications that total yield for the region is slightly below average.

Riesling bunch and berry sizes were lower than average which reduced yields of this variety. In comparison, yields of the red varieties have rebounded significantly this year, following extremely low yields during the drought years.

The latter half of the season was ideal for fruit development with some of the best conditions seen in the last 10 years.

Overall the ideal conditions have produced stunning wines from this vintage.

Tim Adams