2014 Ferus Sauvignon Blanc

A very good vintage with moderate crop levels (2.6 kg/vine), early ripening and full flavour development at relatively low sugar levels. We had the benefit from a generally mild summer with one hot spell in late January which was pre veraison and thus had no flavour impact. Our vines are now 27 years old and show the benefits of maturity; lower vigour, good balance and modest crop loads. A significant rain event occurred on the 13th and 14th of February with 127 mm of rain. Dryland management I am sure significantly helped the vines to withstanding damage from this rain. Their deep roots are less affected than conventionally irrigated vines and they do not respond with a surge of vine growth or berry swelling. Thus they tend to continue to ripen their light crop without the flush of extra water. Harvest occurred on the 13th and 14th of March.