Vintage Report 2023
2023 required nerves of steel to navigate a warm and humid growing season. Mother Nature did her best to keep us on our toes and eventually turned on the charm with warm, dry weather in January, which carried through into harvest.
Ripening was a long game in 2023 – our yield estimates in January showed the potential was avg. or above. Given the growing season leading up to that point, the decision was made to target those blocks that had higher than avg. yields and reduce bunch numbers per vine so our yield and fruit was ‘quality focussed’ and not driven by volume. This serves as a positive with increased flavour, ripeness and reduced disease pressure.
Marlborough experienced more Growing Degree Days (GDD >10°) than 3 of the last 4 seasons and nearly 100 more GDD than the long-term average. This was mixed with more rainfall than 3 of the last 4 seasons, though marginally less than the LTA. Most of which came through before Christmas. The timing on important phenology markers such as bud burst, flowering and time to reach 8° Brix was longer than usual which flowed through to harvest dates being a week or more later in some cases.
Harvest started traditionally with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the earlier varietals and they didn’t disappoint once in the winery. Smaller than expected yields delivered pristine, sun-ripened fruit with exceptionally delicious flavour. The extra hang-time on the vine has really helped to concentrate the varietal characters and also retain vibrancy – it was a real balance this year to make those picking decisions when total acids were hanging in there for dear life. As harvest moved on, sugars continued to rise and acidity mellowed out nicely. Sauvignon Blanc followed suitably and while the large, industry corporates were out harvesting green, unripe fruit well before anyone else (for reasons unknown to anyone else…), those serious about respecting the season and fruit held out until flavour and balance was in the harvest window. Those decisions and the resulting reward will be seen in the final quality of the wine.
The added beauty of 2023 was a life without COVID restrictions which has seen the return of experienced international winemakers, tourists, backpackers and RSE workers. Wineries and vineyards running a full and experienced team made for a steady and structured harvest that was super smooth and slick. 2023 has all the elements and markings of a special and unique harvest that will continue to shine through the wines as they’re released in the coming months and beyond.
For now though, ferments are still ticking through and we’re about half way through pressing our Pinot Noir off skins and into barrels – something I love doing on the warm autumn days as the hustle subsides and quiet calm returns to the cellars.
Looking forward to tasting and sharing the new releases with you all in the coming months.
