The 2020 vintage in both the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula was in vast contrast to the two previous vintages, where far warmer, drier conditions were experienced.  A very wet spring was seen across both regions, resulting in poor fruit set and drastically small crops.  2020 will be etched in our memories forever for many different reasons. But the season that was, from a grape-growing perspective, was defined by a rather cool, long drawn out growing season, mild temperatures and generous rainfall, stretching from January right through until the end of March.

These conditions always favour the earlier ripening varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot noir.  Flavours in the juice develop slowly, without excessive sugar accumulation or adverse effects from sun exposed berries.  Thankfully both the Yarra and Mornington were spared from any smoke related issues  (our thoughts go out to our friends in other regions who sadly have no wines to release from 2020).

At DML we encourage our wines to tell the story of site and season.  In cooler seasons, the finer detail and complexities from individual sites shine through effortlessly, often in place of robust flavours and increased concentration.