The 2016 vintage at Evandale Estate was a testament to nature’s unpredictability and the winemaker’s resilience. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the estate produced wines of remarkable quality, particularly in their Riesling and Traminer varieties.

A challenging start

The season began with unusually dry conditions, forcing early irrigation as early as October 2015. While summer remained relatively mild, a sudden downpour in January presented a critical challenge. The Traminer grapes, with their delicate skins, were particularly vulnerable to this unexpected rainfall.

Interestingly, the 2016 vintage saw the arrival of new predatory birds to the region. These winged visitors proved to be unexpected allies, significantly reducing the typical damage caused by other birds. This natural pest control was particularly beneficial for the red grape varieties, which emerged unscathed.

A tale of two grapes

The Riesling and Traminer grapes told contrasting stories. While the Riesling flourished, producing both high yield and quality, the Traminer suffered from lower yields due to early bird damage. However, the estate’s quick action in hedging and harvesting both varieties on March 5th helped salvage the situation.

Despite the challenges, the 2016 vintage produced wines of exceptional quality. The Evandale Estate Riesling Traminer, in particular, stood out with its remarkable color translucency, a characteristic noted across the Eden Valley.

A sensory journey

The 2016 Evandale Estate Riesling Traminer offers an exquisite sensory experience. Its alluring perfumes of rose petals and honeysuckle, coupled with apricot and lime blossom notes, create an enticing bouquet. On the palate, it delivers a delicate balance of white peach and lime zest flavors, underscored by subtle tropical notes and a fine flinty minerality.

In conclusion, the 2016 Evandale Estate vintage demonstrates how challenges can lead to exceptional results when met with skill, dedication, and a touch of luck from nature itself.