Barossa 2010 Vintage Declaration

The Barons of Barossa held their annual Declaration of Vintage ceremony on Sunday, which included the traditional blessing of the 2010 grapes by Pastor David Gogoll and a colourful procession of Barons in full regalia.

Yalumba winemaker Louisa Rose presented an enthusiastic forecast on the 2010 vintage. “The Barossa experienced the best rains in five years in late winter and spring which were very welcome,” she said. “Riesling vines in the Eden Valley are well set, balanced and very healthy – and the cool nights are causing the vines to hold their acid and aromatics while the sunny days mean flavours and sugars are increasing quickly.

“Crops of Grenache are looking well below average in response to challenges over the flowering period, but indications are that they will have good character. Shiraz and Cabernet are beautifully balanced with strong early colours and flavours.

“We are seeing an evenness of ripening on these reds which is typically indicative of a high quality year.”