The 2011 vintage fit a theme of ‘late to start and late to finish.’ The growing season began cooler than usual which delayed bud burst. Late spring rains followed by warm weather facilitated aggressive vine growth and dense canopies. Our vineyard crews were proactive by hedging vines and removing selected leaves and laterals at the base of the grapevine shoots to improve airflow and sunlight around the clusters; all in pursuit of quality. The cumulative growing degrees in August and September were the highest ever recorded, so ripening was continuous and harvest commenced in late September. After a cool and reluctant season, canopy management and patience rewarded us with a farming year that produced fantastic wines with delightful fruit profiles, lower sugars and great balanced acidity.