The 2026 harvest has definitely validated our decision to create resilient vines by focusing on soil and plant health! An incredibly dry and warm growing season has resulted in small bunches and tiny berries – the resulting intensity and concentration already evident in the young wines finishing fermentation in the cellar. The heat and dry conditions continued largely into the ripening period, although cooler than normal night time temperatures and misty mornings have given some respite. After the earliest start in at least a decade, the conditions of the vineyard's canopy continues to surprise. Harvest started on the 15th January, approximately 5 days earlier than the long term average, with the picking of a young block of Chardonnay planted on the Quarry site, moving over to Pinot Noir shortly thereafter. Merlot and Cabernet Franc followed from the 2nd February, and then on to Cabernet Sauvignon, with the last of our Cabernet Sauvignon blocks planted along the Eerste River, coming in on Thursday 5th March - Resulting in the earliest end of harvest in recent history, 10 days earlier than 2025. Overall tonnage is slightly up on 2025, with Chardonnay showing an increase in yield, and Merlot showing a slight decline. 2026 is a vintage that will be remembered as one that provided very good quality fruit at also good quantities.