Here we are in May and I am not too sure where the time has gone.
The 2022 vintage felt quite drawn out, but funnily enough, it was not as long as last year; in 2021 harvest happened over 9 weeks whereas this year was only 6.
The 2022 vintage was set up really well with good rain through winter and spring (2021) to replenish soil moisture after a particularly dry Autumn.Â
And despite the challenges of hailstorms in October 2021, reducing our healthy young shoots to shreds, the vineyard has pulled off an amazing feat, led by our viticulturist Joel. The fruit we have produced is a testament to the arduous work Joel and the team put in year-round and especially off the back of the storms. At the time we thought we had lost it all…
Outside of the storms, the shoots regrew, albeit delayed. We didn’t experience intense heat over summer, which didn’t assist the vines nor fruit in catching up, however the wait was worth it!
Harvest officially started on Wednesday 23rd March (our business development consultant Fallon’s birthday) under overcast skies. We picked our Riesling for Mack’s 1896 Riesling. We were sure we would not have any Riesling as Mack’s vines were hit hardest.Â
It was another 2 weeks later, the Pinot Gris for our fan favourite, On Point Pinot Grigio was picked- this time on a sweltering day with a high of 24 degrees (bear in mind I am in the high country, and it is April- well into Autumn at this stage).
Easter was spent recovering from picking some superb Shiraz plus celebrating both Megan and Bronte's birthdays, and under cover of darkness, we picked our Chardonnay- our last white variety- and a small parcel of Pinot Noir on ANZAC Day. Chloë, our kiwi marketing girl said this was a sign it was going to be especially superb- I am holding her to it.
At the end of April, we had unexpected rain over night, but it did not put a dampener on things. We picked a little Shiraz from our stunning old vines on the home block -in front of the homestead; I think I got wetter than the grapes did.
Fast forward to Tuesday this week (3 May) and our fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon from our Gunyah block in front of the cellar door came in as well as our specialGrenache. This will be hot property, as while the fruit was outstanding, there isn't a lot of it.
It is over to Jo and Shawn to guide our beautiful fruit from vine to the wine you and I have come to know and love.
The team has done a fantastic job of bouncing back from the challenges late last year. I am confident the wine will be superb, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Right Jacko, let’s start pruning!
Cheers, Trev
