Louis Latour Agencies

Harvest Update from Steve Smith MW

05 May 2021

We’re delighted to share with you an update from Steve Smith MW on the 2021 harvest in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

“New Zealand’s second largest and most diverse wine region enjoyed a fourth consecutive warmer than average vintage in 2021, which for this temperate, marine influenced region is seen as a great thing. 2021 was however slightly different from the previous three vintages in that a significant portion of this extra energy in the biological system happened in the spring prior to or at flowering. This advanced flowering by between five and ten days, which set the stage for a potential early start to vintage. Temperatures remained normal from mid-November through until the end of January, although with only 10 days above 30C, maximum temperatures were significantly below the 15-18 days above 30C seen as desirable for the Bordeaux red varieties. The season was drier than normal, but because of the more moderate temperatures in the summer, vine stress was not excessive. Canopy condition in most vineyards was excellent, disease pressure under control, and moderate balanced cropping levels bode well for a very good vintage.

There were no weather events during the harvest period that compromised quality, although for some early Chardonnay vineyards the 60mm that fell on the 15th and 16th of February caused some botrytis concerns, that in the end did not eventuate. The slightly cooler February conditions provided prime ripening conditions for Chardonnay, with early wines showing exceptional purity of flavour, great natural acidity, and long complex textures. Potentially the best Chardonnay vintage for some time, and that is saying something considering the previous three vintages produced some very good to exceptional wines. Syrah required some high quality viticulture, patience and long hang time to ensure complete maturity of flavour, skins and seeds was achieved. For those that were committed to this approach, a Syrah vintage rivaling the exceptional 2019 and 2020 is the reward, with maybe a hint more vibrancy. The Bordeaux red varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, were more challenged by the low number of “hot days” during summer, with exceptional management of canopy density and exposure of fruit to sun being the key to removing any hints of unripe herbaceous characters. As with Syrah patience and long hang times were necessary and highly rewarding, with parcels from the sites with more heat and moderation of vine vigour performing the best.

All in all a very good to exceptional Hawkes Bay vintage, especially for Chardonnay and well curated Syrah.” Steve Smith MW