A triumphant Eden Valley 2017 vintage

The 2017 vintage at Evandale Estate stands as a remarkable chapter in the annals of winemaking, defying expectations and yielding exceptional results.

This year’s harvest, concluding a full month later than usual, produced standout wines that promise to captivate connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. With yields soaring 20-30% above the five-year average, 2017 proved to be a year of unexpected bounty.

Nature’s dramatic shift

Nature’s dramatic shift from the previous year set the stage for an extraordinary growing season. The vineyards received a staggering 750mm of rainfall in 2016, surpassing the long-term average by over 150%. This abundance of water, coupled with cooler temperatures, fostered slow yet robust vine growth, laying the foundation for what was to come.

Perfect conditions

As summer unfolded, the vines basked in near-perfect conditions. Timely rain events in early 2017 ensured optimal grape health, while an Indian summer stretching from March to late April provided ideal ripening conditions. This extended period of warmth, followed by cooler nights, allowed for impeccable flavour development and natural acidity retention.