2018: A Singular Vintage at Trinoro

Cooler, more even conditions followed the heat of 2017. By late August the clusters were larger and softer than usual, while their thin skins developed colour far earlier than expected. Semillon was harvested on 14 September and whole-cluster pressed, providing enough juice for approximately 2,000 bottles.

Merlot developed sudden density from 21 September and was brought in at up to 20 tonnes per day, finishing with two large passes on 23 September. Dry, cold winds then weakened the remaining grapes. The estate misted the vineyards, and berries recovered within ten hours; subsequent rain and late sunlight completed ripening. Cabernet Franc harvesting included Magnacosta on 10 October and the high Camagi and mountain parcels on 14–15 October. The result was an unexpected record crop.