By Amy Looker
Constellation Wines Australia (CWA) chief winemaker, Paul Lapsley, has released his 2010 vintage report, revealing that overall the company experienced highly favourable conditions.
“A truly remarkable vintage, this year has shown itself to be one of only five vintages that will stay in my memory as being exceptional. All the hallmarks that define a great year are in abundance – elegance, aromatics, fruit flavours, and structure of the wines, even more astonishing is the great consistency across the many regions of Australia,” said Lapsely.
He highlighted the Riverland region as producing some of the best whites seen in some time, while noting that CWA vineyards in the Clare Valley had produced some exceptional Shiraz, putting the company’s success down to excellent weather conditions.
“The growing season started well with good rainfall across most viticultural regions. Early vine growth was strong with cool conditions experienced and ample soil moisture available. Extra water allocation in the Riverland/Sunraysia district was a bonus and most regions experienced good flowering despite the record heat wave experienced in November. This heat wave, however, was moderated by significant rainfall in the latter half of the month, a welcome relief for all.”
Lapsley predicts that the 2010 vintage will be one of superior quality. “We have produced a comprehensive array of excellent wines from across Australia which show freshness, balance and density of flavour. They will be a delight to enjoy when they are released – truly exciting times ahead.”