The 2009 harvest is complete and our winemakers are already seeing early signs of some stand out wines to look forward to…
Early indications from one of Marlborough’s leading research scientists, was that the 2009 harvest would be substantially larger than average. Warm weather the previous summer and good conditions during flowering had the potential to lead to overloaded vineyards, signaling that good management of both our own and our growers’ vineyards would be essential from the onset.
We reacted by implementing shoot and fruit thinning on all vineyards, to bring the crop levels into balance. Our growers also responded well and worked with us to achieve the best result. Without the cooperation and dedication of our growers, target yields would not have been met.
The 2009 summer was cooler than the long term average and our decision to thin fruit was again justified when we experienced unseasonal wet weather during February. There was more rain in the Awatere Valley than Auckland in February – something we don’t want to make a habit of!
Thankfully March and April were back to the usual Marlborough weather patterns for which the region has become famous; warm and dry during the day and cooler at night, enhancing and capturing the grapes’ flavours and retaining their natural acidity. This was perfect to finish off the fruit, allowing it to mature fully leading up to harvest. This year we also managed a great deal of quality control prior to harvest, which greatly improved the final fruit that was brought in from both our own and our growers’ vineyards.
Our first fruit for the 2009 vintage was picked on the 26th March and our last on 22nd April, which was just ahead of some impending frosts. All varieties this year were harvested in good condition and have great flavours. One thing to note for this season is the intensity and concentration of all our wines; all that extra work reducing yields was really worthwhile.
Our Sauvignon Blanc: Harvested clean, full of flavour with the typical fresh, zesty aromas we strive to produce. Vibrant flavours are already showing through in the juice as it finishes ferments and turns into wine.
Our Pinot Noir: Harvested at optimum flavour and sugar levels, and already showing lifted aromatics. We are looking forward to seeing it develop and mature in the winery over the next nine months.
Our Pinot Gris: Has highly aromatic concentrated flavours due to the low cropping and thinning during the season.
Our Chardonnay: Came in near the end of vintage with great clean golden colours.
We look forward to bringing these wines to you.
