A good start to the 2000 season was followed by the arrival of cyclone “Steve” at the end of February. The associated heavy rainfall peaked in the second week of March. Fortunately, we were able to harvest the majority of our Chardonnay before the rains came – what was left out on the vines was protected by its relative immaturity. The fruit was picked at an average of 13.0 Baume with a perfect balance of fruit flavour and acid. A simple, low-temperature production process in stainless steel has preserved the fresh, varietal characters of the cool-climate Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.