At Point of View vineyard, Murrumbateman, we received good rains in sping and early summer which promoted vine growth and provided some disease risks which we have covered by a strict preventative spraying regime. January, fortunately was relatively dry ( especially given the cyclonic conditions producing extreme rainfall events across Queensland and Northern NSW).
We have just conducted our first vintage assessment of vine and grape conditions. The shiraz and cabernet grapes look well balanced, with veriason underway and relatively light crops for the amount of leaf cover. Inspection of the merlot has indicated that the crop is a little too heavy for the amount of leaf growth and we have now implemented a fruit thinning startegy to bring the vines into balance for the remainder of ripening.
We are looking for continued warm and relatively dry conditions for the next four to six weeks.