Pre-Vintage Report 2011

Pre-Vintage Report 2011

That time of the year is looming again, and it seems to roll around quicker each year. No sooner have we pruned, than we are checking withholding periods for final chemical applications.

This vintage will, once again, prove to be defining for the future of our industry and its profitability. Rumours abound that financiers are about to swoop once tanks are filled, which makes us all a bit nervous.

At T.H.E we are hanging in there. Exploring new markets, and looking at how we can take full advantage of new innovations and marketing initiatives.

Varietal wise, we are moving into our 2010 Pinot Gris and 2010 Viognier in March, and have shifted to 2009 Pinot Noir. These wines are showing well and certainly the extra bottle time means they are drinking very well on release.

T.H.E 2010 Sauvignon Blanc continues to be appreciated as an excellent food wine as well as having great aperitif qualities.

Now, on to more important matters. I managed, along with a group of friends, to take in an excellent fishing break in the Marlborough Sounds recently. Some challenging high seas did not preclude our crew from snaring the catch of the weekend, a 15kg groper. So confident were we of victory, we gutted the giant prior to weigh in at Furneaux Lodge.

Many thanks to Chris, the man at the helm, and secret GPS coordinate guy. Thanks also go to Phil Gray - 2nd mate and excellent burley trail applicator - a result of over consumption the night previous.

So in summary, I want to wish everyone an excellent vintage and may the summer continue till Easter.

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