in the vineyard : Soil: Low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil.
A cool start to the growing season culminating in the coolest January in the last 10 years. The actual harvest period (February and March) was very close to the 10 year temperature average. Rainfall during the growing season up to January was consistently below the norm. The second wettest February on record however, created real viticultural challenges in ensuring healthy fruit was delivered to the cellar. The Pinot noir 2002 fruit showed lifted, well-defined varietal characteristics and good natural acid levels, ensuring great potential in the resulting wine.