High Quality Grapes Point to Vintage Highlights

6 May 2005

HIGH QUALITY GRAPES POINT TOWARDS VINTAGE HIGHLIGHTS

The quality of the 2005 grape harvest is promising plenty of vintage highlights.

New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan says that while it is still some time before final vintage numbers are released, first signs indicate a good harvest.

“Following a warm summer, the grapes were in excellent condition going into harvest. The Indian Summer during the main harvest month of April helped finish off the grapes,” says Mr Gregan.

Initial feedback from New Zealand’s key grape growing regions is positive.

Brent Marris from Wither Hills Winery in Marlborough says overall quality looks excellent.

“The typical Marlborough climate of long dry spells, many hot days and cool nights has helped to develop and cement the typical Marlborough flavours,” he says.

Kate Radburnd from Hawkes Bay’s CJ Pask Winery says that people are extremely happy with the quality of grapes.

“In general, although volumes are slightly down, the quality of the reds, in particular, is the result of a great growing season,” she says.

New Zealand Winegrowers still expect the 2005 Vintage to be New Zealand’s second largest vintage ever, with final volumes and highlights to be available towards the end of June.

ENDS

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