The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills. After a late break in mid-June 2005, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. Some varieties, such as riesling and shiraz, suffered more than others from poor set, leading to ‘hen and chicken’. While there was some damage in Eden Valley from frost, this had only a minor impact on the overall yield; however, yields in most varieties were down by 15-20%. The summer was mild with southerly winds, reminiscent of 2002. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit.

Lifted aromas of sweet, fragrant, spicy cherries and cream with vanilla, toasted cashews, tomato stem and sappy hints.

The soft and juicy, supple, layered palate is medium weight and shows sweet strawberry/cherry fruits, delicate structure and fine tighter-style velvety tannins finishing with good length.

Pale crimson ruby in colour.

Waechters Pigeon with semolina gnocchi and braised lentils.

Whites were nearly all picked by the end of March, an unusual situation.

Summary: Excellent to Exceptional white vintage with below average yields.

***Stelvin cap***: Bottled under a Stelvin screw cap to capture the freshness and keeping qualities of chardonnay and to protect its purity from cork-influenced off characters.