Cap Classique Brut 2016

Harvest Description

It was the driest year in 100 years of recorded history as we only received half of the normal average rainfall per year. This was followed by one of the hottest and driest summers in history. Budding started about one week earlier and we did not have severe South Easter winds at the start of summer. This resulted in very good budding and flowering of the vines. The drought and high summer temperatures resulted in much faster ripening and the earliest recorded harvest dates in history on Lourensford as well as the fastest harvest ever. The vines were generally very healthy and in good balance and harmony and where needed we could give them water by drip irrigation. The berries in general were smaller and more concentrated. With good canopy management and perfect harvest decisions we manage to bring the grapes in at just the desired time. This resulted in refined wines with elegance and slightly lower than normal alcohols compared to other harvests. The harvest dates were 14th January – 20st January 2016.