Season Overview 2004

With a mind to the frosty previous spring much energy was used monitoring early weather patterns and consulting the weather gods. With no significant frost events the season was underway with good temperatures and ample ground water. Flowering and fruit set periods were concluded in fine warm weather assisting in large potential crops. The Christmas and early January periods were hot and sunny and the threat of drought conditions loomed. The vines slowed their growth and a maximum of only two trimming rounds were needed. The same conditions precluded a great deal of bunch zone leaf removal.

February turned the tables and was one of the wettest February's on record. Luckily there was no sugar present in any of the fruit and the disease risk passed.

During early verasion crop levels were adjusted to ensure even and full ripening of all varieties and bird control was implemented.

Harvest began on March 26th and with little vintage pressure the winery operated with only one daytime shift. All varieties came in clean, ripe and full of Marlborough flavour. It was a record harvest for our company vineyards and pleasing to have such high quality fruit across the property.