Martinborough Enjoys Magic Vintage
Press Release 1 May 2008
Martinborough Enjoys Magic Vintage
Quality and character of this region has never been in question, although very rarely do the rather humble winemakers of this district say this to the world. Their tone may however be influenced by circumstance. Martinborough is a region that has been beset by vintages of highly variable yields over the last few years, making the business of winemaking a very demanding one for this region of boutique hand crafted wineries. In 2008, though Martinborough has had what can only been described as a magic vintage, absolutely superb quality backed up with moderate, even crops from very carefully farmed vineyards, the humility of the winemakers will remain. However, their demeanour may well be more animated and confident after 2008.
The reason is simply the climate and weather
conditions prevailing throughout the season, and the modern
viticulture now highly tuned to this environment. After
miserable yields in 2007 the vines enjoyed excellent
budding, and early indications of fruitfulness were
pleasing. With many vineyards now well frost protected, the
early evil of the spring chills were avoided. In addition,
flowering conditions proceeded in superb conditions in late
November and December, with the severe winds largely
missing. The fruit set was very good however bunch sizes
were only moderate because of the lower number of potential
berries in the bunch, a carry over from the very cool
Martinborough summer of 2007. The warm summer and autumn
drought that affected the pastoral farmers provided perfect
conditions for the developing grapes with most vineyards now
practising very detailed management of the vines to maximise
the potential from the superb summer. The harvest period was
dry and sunny with no
effects of rain, and harvest
proceeded without a hitch throughout the last few days of
March and in the first three weeks of April.
While the star in the region is obviously Pinot Noir with winemakers reporting some of the most beautifully coloured, aromatic and finely structured young wines ever seen, there are other notable successes. The region's Sauvignon Blanc wines from 2008 show exceptional promise with pure vivid flavours and excellent concentration and texture that can only be achieved from ripe grapes in a perfect season from moderate cropping vines. In addition, the Chardonnay fruit harvested is of the highest standard. Those who follow the regions reputation for the aromatic varieties of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, all harvested in perfect conditions, will enjoy some very expressive and beautifully composed vines when they are released later in the year.
The real quality of the vintage can really be gauged by the enthusiasm shown by some of our most experienced, famous and well travelled winemakers and owners. Phyll Pattie and Clive Paton at Ata Rangi, Allan Johnson at Palliser, Larry McKenna of Escarpment, Neil McCallum of Dry River, Steve Smith MW from Craggy Range and Paul Mason at Martinborough Vineyard to name a few. These and others in this small wine community have their own individual views of the "magic" vintage of 2008, including Richard Riddiford of Palliser Estate describing it as "a vintage you'd dream about".
ends