Picking began in the last week of August with the white varieties, and ran through late September for the reds. The decisive factor this year was the swing between daytime heat and the cool air coming down from the Caucasus after dark.

That gap preserves acidity while the fruit ripens — the reason our Sauvignon Blanc keeps its citrus edge and the Saperavi holds its structure.

What it means in the glass

Expect a slightly deeper colour across the reds and a touch more aromatic lift in the whites. The Muscat, picked last, came in with exceptional perfume.