2003 Vintage

The summer of 2003, like that of 1976, was one of the most ‘southern’ of the last 50 years. Rarely have there been so many warm nights and hot dry days and weeks. Rainfall came mainly during storms, and only the densely composted vineyard soils, built up naturally over many years, were able to withstand damage by drought.

The harvest in October allowed for optimum selection, resulting in complex, fruity and multi-layered wines with excellent ripe acidity structure. Perfect summer weather rewarded us with an unprecedented quantity of sweet wines up to Trockenbeerenauslese level. On the 4th January the vintage closed with an Abtsberg Eiswein. Wines from this great vintage have a long future ahead of them, particularly those with residual sugar. The acidity is exceptionally fine, and the mineral slate gives a lively structure. These wines are classic accompaniments to fine liver patés and a large variety of desserts. A luscious vintage to savour.