2026 Harvest Report by Marcus Wright, Winemaker
The 2025/2026 started with earlier than normal budburst and a warm start to the growing season. Weather round flowering was good and overall; the season delivered a lower than average yield which is reflected in the increased concentration of flavour in the wines. Spring was dry and warm but January and February produced higher than average rainfalls and had us concerned about the possibility of botrytis at harvest. But then as so often happens, we had the perfect end of summer and beginning to autumn that resulted in clean, flavoursome fruit that we were excited to pick.
For Sauvignon Blanc the season gave a broad array of flavours, lovely concentration and lots of energy. We have an embarrassment of riches and blending will be a real pleasure!
We have several parcels of Pinot Gris and all show nice, lemon citrus characters with peach and nectarine. These wines also have a nice balance of acidity that provides focus to the palate.
The Riesling is as it is every year: lemon and lime sorbet with racy acidity, lovely concentration and that signature minerality. Always a standout, our Gewurztraminer is no different in 2026. Richly aromatic, packed full of exotic flavours and with a lush round mouthfeel. Delightful.
The Chardonnay ripened quite slowly so was picked a little later than normal which resulted a touch less acidity in the Mendoza clone, but a raft of delicious flavours. This wine is naturally balanced and has ripe phenolics on the palate.
Pinot Noir has strong red berry fruit character and good weight. Early days but these wines should evolve nicely in barrel before bottling in February 2027.
