That's A Wrap - Vintage 21 Done and Dusted

A Roundup of the Vintage That Was from Chief Winemaker, Japo:

"The season started out with a cooler, wet spring which resulted in a lower fruit set for some varieties such as Chardonnay. We experienced above average rainfalls in early spring, meaning extra effort was required in our organically grown vineyards to mitigate disease pressure. Spring rolled into summer with long warm and dry days, however the predicted cyclone season resulted in two relevant rain events in February and early March giving our Cabernet Sauvignon a welcome drink. The warm and humid conditions meant Botrytis was a major risk throughout the season which required extra effort from our committed vineyard team in terms of canopy management and fruit selection at harvest and in the winery.  

The Chardonnay harvest between our 3 different vineyards started on the 19th of February and finished on the 24th of February. Our three single vineyard Chardonnays are already showing expressive varietal and site characters and full flavour at a lower than average alcohol level with beautifully balanced natural acidity. All white varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Marsanne and Roussanne show perfume and aromatic lift combined with elegant textures and fine acid lines.

Another intense rain event just before the red harvest start in early March had us worried, however breeze and sunny conditions followed, drying out the canopies and allowing us to harvest the red Rhone varieties such as Shiraz and Grenache with good physiological ripeness and distinctive spice and grace.

The 9th of April marked the end of harvest for McHenry Hohnen with Cabernet Sauvignon from our Hazel’s Vineyard being picked in early hours of the morning and showing fragrance and an elegant tannin profile in true Claret fashion."