Hawke’s Bay’s total average yields may be slightly down as harvest comes to a close, but regardless, viticulturists and winemakers alike are reporting a high-quality vintage following “near-perfect growing conditions”.
Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, the official regional wine industry organisation representing all wineries and growers, says the balance of the season was warm and dry but with a cool snap during November, it has meant that berries have been smaller and bunches looser leading to “excellent quality”.
Chardonnay specialist Tony Bish added that “not an excessively hot summer has led to intense flavours and excellent sugar/acid balance”.
Once vintage came around, which was another early one in Hawke’s Bay, the weather remained settled and dry allowing winemakers and viticulturist to make planned picking decisions and bring in pristine fruit to the expectant wineries.
Clearview Estate’s Chief Winemaker Matt Kirby says 2021 wines bode well for those enthusiasts that like to cellar wines as they are showing “amazing texture and concentration with balance from the natural acidities”.
“It is a pretty amazing run with 3 and arguably 4 fantastic but different vintages.”
First published by Hawke’s Bay App. Click here to read the full article.