Chile has long since been known to have very dependable even predictable harvest (perhaps enviable) with conditions of dry summers and little threat of rain during harvest. Besides three frosts, one in spring and two mid-harvest 2010 has been relatively ideal, but anything but dependable or predictable.

Harvest began with big earthquake that has for obvious reasons completely overshadowed the other factors that will differentiate 2010 from other vintages. Most fruit in Maipo, including ours, was at least two weeks later in harvesting compared with 2009. What is interesting is that acidities were higher (healthier / fresher) and brix (sugar that becomes alcohol) were blessedly lower.  And to top it off, the yields have been about 20% lower overall. Note that our tops lots of Chacai and Antis fruit rarely vary much in their yield as they are pampered to contain 1.6 kilos of fruit per plant and any deviation is minimal. Drier years with lower yields tend to give the entry level reserves some extra concentration– relatively speaking.

Conclusions

It is still to early to tell but every indicator points to 2010 being a vintage long remembered for things beyond the quake. We shall try and publish updates throughout the year as the wines develop in barrel.