Marlborough Vintage Reports

Start – 28 March 09. Finish 23 April 09. Off the back of the largest vintage in the history in Marlborough we saw a repeat performance from the vineyards with excellent bud break followed by an uninterrupted flowering and fruit set. The crop that was set was a thumper and as a result we worked closely with our own vineyards and growers to thin the crops to targeted tonnages. This was the first time in the history of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The season developed some excellent accumulation of heat until we got to February when we had a month of overcast cool weather. March and April were very hot during the day and cool in the evening resulting in a prolonged ripening period producing fruit with excellent flavour development and concentration. The vintage was drawn out over several weeks allowing the fruit to be harvested at optimum physiological ripeness. This will be one of the best years ever!