Vintage 2024

Our typical season began when we raised our 500, around the spring equinox, and getting one final 500 application before the growing season kicked off. We managed to do this on the 19^th of September this year, just as the first buds were showing their faces. On the 21^st of September we gathered with our local viticultural BD community to share our 500 learnings, and talk about the raising of BD 505 (oakbark). This happened to be a very wet day for Central Otago, with heavy rains coming down in a short period of time.

Although, the 23/24 growing season started with some heavy spring rains, the moisture that followed was much farther between, and significantly reduced than we have seen over the past three vintages. As official budburst was around the 25^th of September, we were looking at a nice set up for the growing season. Other than some major wind events in early October, things progressed nicely and we finished our first round of shoot thinning by 25^th October. Mother Nature decided to throw us a wrench though, with a significant frost event on the 27^th October. Which approached us from the North West, bringing multi layered cold air with virtually no inversion layer, to assist our frost machines. Surrounding areas experienced similar extremes, with even some snow and hail. This frost event proved to be a major challenge this season, as it occurred as the inflorescence had differentiated, and wiped-out major portions of the lower rows on the Quartz Reef vineyard and massive areas of the Loop Road vineyards.

Despite a significant setback from the frost, we did see a very good flowering and fruit set this year, and where it was good it was good. But the frost surely took its toll on our beloved Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris blocks, forcing us to make less Pinot this year.

The remainder of the growing period finished with very scarce rain events and relentless wind through the latter of the summer season; putting Central Otago into a very dry state despite the mild temperatures. For us, well managed irrigation meant we prevailed through the driest parts and ultimately we are pleased with the quality that has come through.

From a BD perspective we were able to get 501 applied along with some nettle teas in the beginning of December. This year we enjoyed a larger crop of chamomile for our BD gardens and prepared to make 503 (chamomile) in the fall. A further 501 stir was on the 24^th of January to wrap things up before nets went on. Veraison came on in early February and nets closely followed.

This year we welcomed Julie from Switzerland and Julia from the US (I know very confusing, they even looked alike!) as our vintage interns. And of course, on deck already we had Rudi and Tucker, as well as Callum (CJ) and Ben returning for their third harvest as a part of our full time crew. Vintage was off to a busy start, with first grapes coming in for bubbles at the beginning of March and things seemed to roll right on through until beginning of April with last fruit being the Gruner Veltliner.