2023 Vintage: An update from Nepenthe Winemaker, James Evers

“Hand on heart, I believe that 2023 has the potential to be a truly outstanding season.”

Mild summer conditions are fantastic for a region like the Adelaide Hills, and this season has provided us with the perfect combination of cool nights and warm days.

However, this year’s vintage is unique in that we had fewer hot days at the beginning of the season than we would in a normal year. This has resulted in one of the longest growing seasons I’ve seen in recent years and means we will be harvesting far later than usual, perhaps right through to the end of April. The long season has allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, creating exceptional flavour development.

Cooler years mean fresher, vibrant wines with higher acidity — perfect conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. But our other hallmark varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, will absolutely sing this year with great flavour and ageability.

All things considered, I truly believe it will all come together to be an outstanding season.

We're excited to see how the 2023 vintage will develop in the cellar and can't wait for you to taste the results of our hard work in the vineyard.