Louis Latour Agencies

Stellenbosch Vintage 2016

15 March 2016

A vintage 2016 update from Anita Streicher Nel of Morgehof Estate.

A warmer winter and an early spring pushed forward the harvest dates as much as two weeks and almost caught us off guard. The early spring and warm summer temperatures that followed led to smaller concentrated berries and small clusters.

The first grapes were received in the winery at a record early date of the 11th of January. With this combination it was very obvious that fruit maturity was reached at much lower alcohol levels than normal. A big plus for a more alcohol cautious society.

The warm spell was broken late February which gave the late blocks of red grapes ample time to reach further phenolic maturity. However, it was one of the smaller harvests in the last few years which led to very bold and expressive Chardonnay and Chenin juices, which will eventually become expressive wines. The reds are big and bold with lots of colour, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Cabernet francs. I am sure with some patience the wine drinker will be well rewarded when 2016 wines hit the shelves.