2006 VINTAGE REPORT

Vintage 2006 will be remembered by us as very compact. We received the second largest crop ever, (due to new plantings coming on stream), over one of the shortest periods I can remember. This was due to the early season in Marlborough and the uniformity of crop maturity there. Happily, the other lasting impression of the 2006 harvest is one of overall excellent quality. While most of our crop comes from Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, (see below) we also receive grapes from Gisborne and Auckland that form the base of our “East Coast” wines. We were very happy with the quality of both these regions – especially the Chardonnay and Pinotage.

HAWKE'S BAY

Generally a very good season in Hawke’s Bay, good fruit set, warm summer and initially a dry harvest period marred by some ill timed rain – fortunately the Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc from Gimblett Rd were harvested before this episode and the balance of the crop was in superb condition and well able to handle the weather. At this early stage I can say the Gimblett Rd Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon & Franc are looking particularly strong and we have high hopes for the Viognier and Traminer also. The Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc is already bottled and is a delicious drop. 

MARLBOROUGH

The season got off to an early start and stayed well ahead of schedule right up to harvest. A good spring, warm summer and no major weather events during the final ripening period gave us perfectly ripe fruit in excellent condition. This is a stand out year for Sauvignon Blanc; we have captured the whole spectrum of varietal characters in a pungent and powerful package. The Riesling and Pinot Gris show great promise and the Pinot Noir this year is looking very good – floral and fruity in these early stages yet already displaying some real substance to the mid-palate.

Keep an eye out for the first Babich 2006 wines to appear on the shelves, the Hawke’s Bay (Lone Tree in NZ) and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc(s) followed closely by the (Lone Tree in NZ) East Coast Unoaked Chardonnay – I’m sure you will enjoy them.

ADAM HAZELDINE 
WINEMAKER