David,
Two things:
- cluster physiology makes a big difference. 2010 and 2012 clusters were smaller and less evenly set so air flow and disease resistance was good. Though not really needed in 2012. In 2011 every berry set and clusters were ridiculously tight. That could have led to serious issues.
But…
- temps in 2011 were very cold, and by November well below what would lead to serious botrytis issues. The 2011 Deux Vert Syrah was delivered at 35F, and pigeage the next morning was one of my worst experiences in wine.
We saw very minor bits of botrytis in the earlier and cooler sites (Durant and Winter’s Hill) but not enough to worry too much. The biggest issue was it was often internal in the cluster so sorting was slower but fruit was in very good shape.
By contrast the much earlier and warmer 2013 vintage was a monster for disease…outside of the windier more exposed sites.