New Zealand: Vintage Knowledge Flashcards
2019
A third successive small vintage may result in higher prices, but the quality is universally lauded, with many producers of the opinion that 2019 was their best-ever vintage. Marlborough enjoyed perfect natural balance in the vineyard, leading to modest alcohols and bright acidity, as well as strong varietal expression across the board.
2018
A difficult vintage, especially in Marlborough where rain caused widespread rot at harvest time. Acid levels are generally a bit lower than average and the best 2018s will be in spite of the weather rather than because of it. But the warm summer resulted in more generous yields than 2017’s small crop, especially for red wine varieties.
2017
Wetter, cooler conditions than usual made for a late harvest with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc expected to be perhaps more restrained than the norm. Volume was 9% lower than in 2016.
2016
A welcome increase of volume produced after the small 2015 vintage. Martinborough had excellent weather conditions throughout the year, and is likely to fare better than Central Otago. In Marlborough, larger than average berry size is expected to emphasise thiols (passionfruit flavours) over methoxypyrazines (herbal flavours).
2015
Marlborough enjoyed a very dry summer, resulting in wines with greater concentration than 2014 and yields were down 20-25%. Central Otago enjoyed plenty of ripeness in the Pinot Noir.
2014
A generally good vintage across the country, with particular excitement in Hawke’s Bay where 2014 is thought of as potentially even better than the outstanding 2013. The country’s viticultural engine room Marlborough had its largest ever vintage, with quality touted as above-average.
2013
Slightly riper than 2012 in Marlborough, and ‘nigh-on perfect’ in much of the north island, especially Hawke’s Bay, with a long, warm summer and no adverse weather – although early frosts did bring down yields for many.
2012
One of the coolest years on record, and an overall yield 18% below the norm. This resulted in Sauvignon Blancs with grass and citrus flavours instead of tropical fruit.
