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Instinct. Precision. Responsiveness. A season of atypical weather patterns and compounding pressure, successfully navigated through real-time stewardship from our deeply committed team.
THE PINOT PAYOFF
In a season that tested everyassumption, Pinot Noir found its rhythm. The extended, uneven growing conditions ultimately played to its strengths. It allowed slow accumulation of flavour, tannin maturity and aromatic complexity.
A cooler season favoured aromatics and fine detail. Extended hang-time supported gradual flavour development. Fruit reached balance at moderate alcohol levels. Stop-start harvest pacing allowed for considered, parcel-by-parcel picking. Flavour hallmarks show clarity of site, freshness and layered complexity.
“Late seasons make for exciting Pinot.” – Brendan Hawker, Chief Winemaker
THE VINTAGE PLAYBOOK NO LONGER
Intuition and connection replace the reliance of textbook conditions. The once-familiar rhythm of any given Yarra Valley season gave way to something far less predictable, with vintage 2026 continuing a recent run of increasingly non-standard seasons. In its place, the team leaned into experience, observation and instinct.
Daily choices were guided by observation, site familiarity and accumulated experience rather than historical expectation. What emerged was a season defined not by atypical conditions, but by our team’s ability to interpret and successfully navigate them.
“We don’t have those natural markers like we used to. Now it’s about reading what is happening in real-time and responding with precision.” – Amanda Flynn, Winemaker
A MASTERCLASS IN TIMING AND RESPONSE
Fire threat, disease risk, compressed picking and logistics. Pressure was constant but calm precision made the difference. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that none of these challenges impacted our season.
Each morning began with a toolbox meeting to align daily operations. Picking and canopy work decisions were often made in real-time.
“The seven of us had our seven phones out, checking seven forecasts.” – Rod Harrison, Chief Viticulturist
A critical January window brought heightened fire and smoke risk in central and north-east Victoria. Conditions peaked concern locally. Ultimately the Yarra Valley remained unaffected and subsequent testing confirmed no smoke taint.
Late season humidity elevated disease pressure, particularly in Chardonnay blocks, but well-time interventions ensured control. Harvest unfolded in a stop-start pattern, before compressing rapidly as fruit aligned. Pinot and Chardonnay comprised the lion share of our intake, and made for careful coordination in the winery.
“Ultimately, I think we managed to match the timing of our applications to the weather conditions as perfectly and responsively as possible.” – Finn Horsfield, Vineyard Manager
SUMMARY
With limited winter rainfall, soils entered the growing season dry. Budburst occurred approximately two weeks later than last year, reflecting cool spring conditions characterised by wet, windy and variable weather patterns. Summer then brought intermittent heat spikes and temperature drops, late humidity and a cool finish. Ripening was delayed relative to recent years, with a stop-start harvest marked by short picking windows and a compressed intake for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Overall yields were up 3% on the 2025 vintage, with Pinot Noir showing lifted aromatics and finesse over power, and Chardonnay expressing clarity, structure and restraint.
We look forward to sharing these wines with you in due course.
