The 2013 harvest was expected to be early, with the Easter full moon very close to the autumn equinox, and sure enough budburst started early in spring 2012 with green shoots emerging in the first week of September suggesting this would be so. All varieties woke to a cool and mild spring, with cabernet the last to greet the sun on October 1. A snow flurry in early October led into a mild November, with warm days and nights providing excellent conditions for flowering. Set was excellent across all varieties. Spring was conspicuous for its dryness but thankfully frost free, and as summer approached the vines developed beautifully balanced canopies and rain was just a distant memory. It was not to rain again until the end of harvest, seven dry months that produced a green drought.

The complex nose shows lifted aromas of black cherries, raspberries and cream, wild berries and herbaceous forest floor nuances with hints of rose- petal florals, cedar and clove spice.

The stylish palate begins with strawberry and wild berry fruits, which continue through layers of texture and balanced acidity, supported by elegant minerality and silky tannins for a beautifully long finish.

Cherry red with garnet hues.

Chinese Radish Cake.

Matured on lees in 28% new and 72% seasoned French barriques for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.

As harvest time approached, it was abundantly clear that 2013 was going to be exceptional in terms of yield and quality across all varieties - a rare thing in the lofty airs of Lenswood, where weather events usually dictate terms that are best described as challenging! Chardonnay and riesling were fabulous, as too were sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, pinot gris, merlot and cabernet. Lenswood does not give up her fruit easily but every now and then she tosses a furtive glance your way and delivers the unexpected. The 2013 harvest will be remembered as near perfection in a year of snow and drought, truly a rare and exceptional vintage.