The 2021 harvest got off to a strong start, boosted with timely rains during the winter and spring of 2020. Barossa and Eden Valley vines grew well early in the season with Shiraz experiencing excellent flowering conditions. The later starting varieties of Grenache and Mataro experienced reduced bunch numbers due to wind and heat in October 2020.
In contrast, the summer growing season was mild and even, with cool daily temperatures. Our Barossa vineyards retained wonderful canopies and developed well-formed bunches that sustained good weight and yield.
Commencing on the 4th of February with Semillon and concluding on the 18th of April with Mataro, the 2021 harvest has been a traditional, but long season for all involved. With good canopies drawing all available moisture from the soil and relatively low or no growing season rainfall, red varieties were slow to ripen. As a result of this long flavor development cycle in the vineyard, the season’s signature is wines of high aromatic lift with densely coloured tints and exceptional balance.
2021 has been a vintage of patience and delivered anticipated yields of very high-quality wines.
Whist the team at Torbreck has now begun to transfer the individual vineyards into oak for maturation, we have great confidence that on the conclusion of this time in barrel, the wines of 2021 will be very special.
Ian Hongell
General Manager & Chief Winemaker
Torbreck Vintners