Stellenbosch 1996 Vintage Report
Ideally sequenced and largely stress-free, 1996 goes down as a textbook vintage for Stellenbosch.
The cycle began with a harmonious flowering period. Warm days (avg 20°C) allowed for an even fruit set, establishing the potential for a generous crop.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 2166 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 22mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.
About Stellenbosch
The historic heart of South African wine, Stellenbosch is a mountainous region with diverse soils. It excels in Bordeaux blends and Pinotage, offering a style that bridges the Old and New Worlds.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (9 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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