Dry seasonal conditions have resulted in a classic 2011 cool climate vintage. An even budburst and early strong growth was followed by warm temperatures through November and December resulting in an excellent flowering and fruit set. A dry autumn led to perfect ripening conditions post veraison, with the wet humid conditions that adversely affected many of Australia's warm climate wine regions during veraison not appearring in the high altitudes of the Southern Highlands, and therefore disease pressures were low and excellent clean fruit was harvested across all varieties.

Precise viticulture and management ensured crop loads were within the normal range resulting in an average sized volume harvest. Again it is projected, due to an increasing high demand, that there will be a slight shortfall in Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from this excellent vintage.

Vintage commenced with the sparkling varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir hand harvested for base wines in early March and the table wines kicking off in the third week of March with Sauvignon Blanc. Even dry conditions saw no major delays with the majority of the Cabernet harvested by early May. The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc produced moderate crops with very concentrated varietal notes and clean crisp balanced palates. The Pinot Gris reached its high maturity levels, which enabled us to make the full bodied Pinot Gris style Cuttaway Hill continues to receive accolades and awards for. The Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon all produced intense varietal characters, mature tannins and balance across the board.

First impressions of the 2011 wines are of concentrated varietal aromatic whites and ripe well balanced reds. In our opinion the 2011 vintage will be known for excellent varietal flavour, balance and complexity in all white and red wines across the range.

CUTTAWAY HILL VINTAGE RATINGS