So, what caused this small harvest volume?  In October and November we had a lot of rain which disrupted flowering.  Most vines self-pollinate and heavy rainfall can severely affect the flowering process which results in many flowers not being fertilised.  Early bursting varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, also flower early and this coincided with the heavy rainfall which has impacted on the volumes of these varieties more than others.

The bunches this year were tiny compared to normal years.  A Pinot Noir bunch normally weighs between 90-110 grams.  This year they were about 50 grams and the berries were the size of currants.  Not ideal for volume, but luckily, quality is incredible.  Smaller berries generally translate to more concentration in wine.   According to our winemaker Adrian, the quality of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is fantastic.

So, while low volumes sounds a little gloomy, quality and concentration are brilliant, so we’re happy.  Adrian would even say that the Chardonnay quality is nearly on par with the excellent 2021 vintage, and that’s saying something! “Pinot Noir also looks great, but there won’t be much of either. My recommendation is to get in quickly when they are released.”