Season Overview 2005

Spring was normal in Marlborough with a few minor frost events causing no damage. Unseasonal rain throughout November impeded the flowering and fruitset processes resulting in reduced crop levels in some varieties and locations.

Summer arrived early January and the fine weather continued through till harvest began in early April. A significant frost event occurred with one morning of harvesting remaining. There was no detrimental effect on fruit quality although the vines miss the opportunity to relocate carbohydrates to their root system prior to leaf fall.

Quality across company vineyards and growers is good with slightly lower volumes ripening well and producing good balanced fruit.