All done.  Everything was picked over three days, finishing with the cabernets and petit verdot.  Safely in the vats.  2010 finished 11 days ahead of 2009 and I have no doubts was riper in every respect.  We thought 2009 was our best to date, thanks to a dry March/April period that helped to finish things off. 

Of course that simply can’t beat a Northland drought year (driest season since 1974 according to my neighbour’s records – I will provide a little data analysis in another post).  I have previously mentioned our experiences with a freak frost in September.  This reduced crop levels to some degree, depending on the variety.  Throw in the dry conditions, including the need to drop fruit from many younger vines that were really struggling, and the result was  a smaller crop than we would have liked but small bunches with small highly flavoured berries, ripe skins and pips.  Typically for us the brix levels are such that we will end up with moderate but not high alcohol levels (we rarely exceed 13% for any wines we are happy to say), while acid levels mean that the wines will retain freshness since while dry it was not an especially hot summer.

To have to wait to see how things turn out seems almost cruel!  But then there is 2011 to think about.  The planning begins, other wines will need to be bottled and the whole process keeps on going.  Not to forget the selling bit!

Many thanks to the picking team from Karikari Estate (who, I should add, have also had a fantastic, if small, season).

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