Today the Château Tanunda staff rang of the vintage bell to declare the official start of Vintage 2023 in the Barossa.
Cool Spring and Summer conditions have led to a slower ripening season this year. It is the latest start in at least the last 20 years. Staff may remember last year we rang the vintage bell to on the 18th February to signal the start of vintage, this year it was the 20th March.
The good news is the cooler conditions means and longer ripening time are having positive effects on the quality. We are seeing small berries with concentrated flavours, and flavour-ripe red varieties with good acidity, at lower Beaumé (eventual alcohol) levels. If the weather holds, this means you will see some beautifully structured and flavoured Barossa wines with lower-than-average alcohol levels in 2023.
We wish our entire winery team all the best over the coming weeks!