Nga Waka is delighted to announce that the 2024 Nga Waka Lease Block Pinot Noir has won the International Pinot Noir Trophy at the 2026 International Wine Challenge, London. Garnering a remarkable 96 points and a gold medal, this is a stunning result for a stunning wine.  The 2024 Lease Block also won the New Zealand Red Trophy, The Martinborough Pinot Noir Trophy, and the New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy, which is why we felt compelled to share the good news, for our winery, and for Martinborough as a whole.

This outstanding achievement comes on the back of the result for the Lease Block in the 2026 Cuisine magazine annual Pinot Noir tasting, where the wine was awarded 5 Stars and ranked second, confirming that this wine has a truly global appeal.

And at the IWC 2026, the 2024 Lease Block is in distinguished company: only four pinot noirs were awarded 96 points, the other three wines being Burgundies – a Grand Crus Corton, a 1er Crus Pommard and a Gevrey Chambertin.

The Competition

The IWC is considered by many to be the world’s toughest wine competition. It is billed certainly as the most trusted competition in the world, due to its rigour, the personnel involved, and the comprehensive nature of the tastings. There are 500 judges, including multiple MWs (Sam Raphorn, Tim Atkin) the most experienced and judicious journalists, including the legendary Oz Clarke, and members of the trade.

And while the wines are rated on all the expected elements – balance, character, quality – a key assessment metric is authenticity: the wine must utterly represent its provenance. Simply put, this is a pinot noir that is one of the best possible representations of Martinborough Pinot Noir.

The Wine

The Lease Block vineyard is a tiny piece of viticultural gold, just 0.8 hectares, planted in 1999, solely in Pinot Noir. It produces unique, layered, multi-faceted expressions of Pinot Noir, in very small quantities.

The IWC judges said: “A rich, ripe Martinborough Pinot with ample strawberry and cherry fruit as well as some silkiness. Mouthfilling and expressive with lots of drinkability.”

We would add that the wine is packed with berry, spice and savoury flavours for which Martinborough Pinot Noir is renowned, with the extra depth, texture and complexity that mature vines and an outstanding site deliver. This is an exquisite example of Martinborough Pinot Noir that is already a compelling drinking experience. The development in the cellar, though, will be significant, and the rewards for the patient will be bountiful.

The Vintage – “A Winemaker’s Dream”

“The 2024 vintage will go down as one of the greats for the Martinborough region. A winemaker’s dream vintage, we had a perfect combination of cool spring weather which kept yields down and so elevated quality further, followed by classic warm, dry summer conditions that lasted through to the end of harvest. This gave us Pinots of impressive structure, weight and richness. The cooler nights that came into play in late February ensured that power is balanced by freshness and vibrancy. The wines are delightfully poised, and the 2024 Lease Block is perhaps the finest expression of those characteristics, and of our unique terroir.”

Paul Mason, Nga Waka winemaker

IWC 2026, The Numbers

Trophies: International Pinot Noir Trophy, Martinborough Pinot Noir Trophy, New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy, New Zealand Red Trophy

Medal: International Wine Challenge 2026, Gold Medal Winner

Points: 96 Points

In Conclusion

At Nga Waka, we simply strive to make the best wines possible that truly reflect the Martinborough region in which the wines are cultivated. To have a wine like the 2024 Lease Block Pinot Noir achieve such international acclaim against fierce competition and in such heady company delivers us independent confirmation that our efforts are in the right direction. We just felt compelled to share the good news, a gratifying and remarkable result for a stunning wine.

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A story of land, people, and patient stewardship — tracing how a Martinborough classic is quietly shaping its next chapter.

A New Chapter Built on Deep Roots

For more than three decades, Nga Waka has been one of Martinborough’s quiet constants — a winery defined not by noise or fashion, but by discipline, restraint, and a deep understanding of its place. When Roger Parkinson planted the Home Block in 1988, he set out to make wines that spoke clearly of the Martinborough Terraces. Thirty‑six vintages later, that founding philosophy remains the backbone of the brand.

Roger’s tenure is one of the longest single‑winemaker arcs in New Zealand. Every Nga Waka wine from 1993 to 2024 carries his imprint: purity over power, structure over showiness, and an unwavering belief that great wine begins with great fruit. His Rieslings — bone‑dry, linear, and modelled on the classics of South Australia — became cult favourites. His Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, handled with a “less is more” approach to oak and whole bunch, set benchmarks for the region. It is a legacy built on quiet excellence.

A Decade of Thoughtful Stewardship

When Jay Short and Peg Dupey purchased Nga Waka in 2015, they stepped into that legacy with a clear sense of stewardship. Jay’s professional background is in law, but both he and Peg had already gained experience as growers in California and Hawaii — a practical understanding of land, harvest cycles, and long‑term agricultural investment. Their approach to Nga Waka has been measured, careful, and deeply respectful of what Roger built.

Over the past decade, they have quietly strengthened the foundations of the business. Vineyard holdings have doubled. Old vines have been renewed. And in 2020, they appointed Mick Hodson as General Manager — a pivotal moment in Nga Waka’s evolution.

Mick began his wine career in 1992 with Eurowine (now Eurovintage) in Wellington, and over the following decades held senior roles across sales, marketing, and retail. Immediately before joining Nga Waka, he managed the original Glengarry Wines store on Jervois Road in Herne Bay — one of the country’s most influential fine‑wine retail environments. He also spent many years at Hancocks in their marketing team, giving him a deep understanding of distribution and brand building, as well as long familiarity with Nga Waka’s own wines.

With extensive experience in the Martinborough region and a rare blend of commercial insight and on‑the‑ground wine knowledge, Mick’s appointment signalled a shift from a founder‑led structure to a more resilient, professionally supported organisation. Under his leadership, operational systems were strengthened, the cellar‑door project gained momentum, and the business was positioned for the next phase of its development.

Plans for a cellar door moved from idea to blueprint to reality. And while the original intention was to build a small export presence in the United States, the complexities of the American distribution system sharpened Nga Waka’s focus on home — on Martinborough, on the Terraces, and on the wines that have always defined the brand.

The Arrival of Paul Mason

The most significant moment in this transition came with Roger’s retirement at the end of 2024 and the appointment of Paul Mason as winemaker. Paul arrives with twenty years of experience at Martinborough Vineyard, where he followed in the footsteps of Claire Mulholland and Larry McKenna and built a reputation for precision, balance, and deep regional understanding.

He is, in many ways, the natural successor: a winemaker fluent in Martinborough’s structure and tannin profile, committed to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and aligned with the restrained, food‑friendly style that has always defined Nga Waka. His first wines — the 2025 releases — already show his touch: a little more detail here, a little more finesse there, but unmistakably Nga Waka in their bones.

This is evolution, not reinvention.

The Vineyard Legacy

Just as Roger Parkinson shaped Nga Waka’s winemaking identity, long‑serving Vineyard Manager Mike Kershaw played an equally important role in shaping the fruit that defines the wines. Mike joined Nga Waka in 1996, and over 28 vintages became one of the quiet constants of the estate — a steady hand whose meticulous vineyard work underpinned the purity, consistency, and structural clarity that became hallmarks of the Nga Waka style. His contribution is recognised in the naming of the Mike Kershaw Block, one of the estate’s most important vineyard parcels — a lasting acknowledgement of the influence he had on the character and quality of the wines.

Nga Waka’s vineyards sit on the free‑draining gravel river terraces that make Martinborough one of New Zealand’s most distinctive wine regions. Low rainfall, windy springs that naturally temper early‑season vigour, warm summers, and long, cool autumns create ideal conditions for ripening while preserving acidity. Across seven vineyard sites surrounding the village, Nga Waka grows predominantly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with smaller plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Rosé from Pinot Noir.

The estate is an accredited member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, a programme that requires continuous improvement in environmental management and is independently audited to ensure integrity. This framework has long guided the vineyard team’s approach — from soil health and water use to canopy management and biodiversity — and it remains central to how the vines are farmed today.

In 2024, Mike was succeeded by Matt Harper (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa), whose own roots in the region run deep. Matt has worked in vineyards around Martinborough since 1995, including seven years at Nga Waka before stepping into the Vineyard Manager role. Known affectionately as a “tractor whisperer,” he brings a rare combination of technical skill, instinctive vineyard understanding, and generational local knowledge. His family has lived in the South Wairarapa for “quite a few” generations, and that connection to place is woven into his approach to the land.

Together, Mike’s legacy and Matt’s stewardship form a continuous thread — a vineyard lineage that mirrors the winery’s broader story of evolution grounded in deep respect for the past, the land, and the people who care for it.

Lismore and the Long View

If Paul’s appointment signals the stylistic direction of the next decade, the purchase of the famed Lismore Vineyard signals its physical foundation. Acquiring such a prime site on the Martinborough Terraces is rare, and Nga Waka’s decision to take it on — knowing it requires restoration, replanting, and patience — speaks volumes about the winery’s long‑term vision.

The plan is characteristically measured: remove the existing Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in 2026, restore the soils, and replant in 2027. The first wines will not appear until 2030. Pinot Noir will remain the anchor, but Paul is already thinking beyond it. The warm, sheltered site and free‑draining soils make Lismore one of the most promising places in Martinborough to explore Syrah — a variety Nga Waka has long admired but never had the right site for.

Alongside the recent releases of Chenin Blanc and Gamay Noir, and the planned Syrah plantings, Lismore becomes the clearest expression of Nga Waka’s next chapter: confident, curious, but always grounded in place.

A Cellar Door That Brings the Story to Life

The opening of the Nga Waka cellar door in October 2022 marked another quiet but significant step in the winery’s evolution. Architecturally award‑winning and shortlisted for the NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards, the building is a physical expression of Nga Waka’s identity — contemporary, confident, and deeply rooted in the landscape.

Designed by Victoria Read of Aspect Architecture, with construction by Holmes Construction and landscape design by Hamish Moorhead, the cellar door draws inspiration from the legend of Kupe. The soaring roofline evokes the sails of Ngā Waka‑a‑Kupe, lifting above the solidity of the structure like a waka catching light and wind. Timber and crafted detailing mirror the hand‑made, quietly complex nature of the wines. Framed by the Home Block vines and the three hills that inspired the winery’s name, the space feels both grounded and elevated.

But the real heart of the cellar door is the people who bring it to life.

Since opening day, Nick Van Haarlem has led the cellar‑door team with a blend of strong hospitality experience, deep wine knowledge, and a natural ease with people. His ability to read a room, guide a tasting, and create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere has become one of Nga Waka’s quiet strengths. Nick is ably supported by Matt Beker, whose own background in wine brings depth, insight, and an intuitive understanding of what visitors are looking for.

Together, they deliver one of the most consistently excellent cellar‑door experiences in Martinborough — warm, knowledgeable, unhurried, and grounded in genuine enthusiasm rather than a script.

Visitors often remark on the balance: knowledgeable without being technical, warm without being over‑familiar, attentive without hovering. It’s the same philosophy that shapes the wines — restraint, clarity, and a respect for the land — expressed through people rather than barrels and vines.

Nestled among the vines and surrounded by the hills that inspired its design, the Nga Waka cellar door feels like the natural extension of the winery’s evolution: a place where architecture, landscape, and hospitality all speak the same language.

A Modern, Visitor‑Ready Nga Waka

The winery’s Silver Qualmark certification adds another dimension to this evolution. It signals not just quality in the bottle, but quality in the experience — sustainability, safety, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. It reflects the systems and investment Jay and Peg have put in place, and it positions Nga Waka as a polished, welcoming presence in a region where visitor expectations continue to rise.

It is another quiet marker of progress — the kind that doesn’t change the wines but strengthens the world around them.

The Next Chapter Begins

Nga Waka today feels like a winery in motion: new winemaker, new vineyards, new varieties, a new cellar door, and a renewed focus on visitor experience. But the soul of the place — the restraint, the clarity, the deep respect for Martinborough — remains unchanged. This is not a revolution. It is a continuation, shaped by new hands but rooted in the same philosophy that has guided the winery since 1988.

And the best way to understand this new chapter is in the glass.

Below are my tasting notes from the current releases — wines that bridge the past and the future of Nga Waka with quiet confidence.

Nga Waka 2025 Rose.

Made from Pinot Noir grapes grown on the Lake Ferry Road Pirinoa Block, the only vineyard not on the Martinborough Terrace and characterised by a layer of clay, picked early, pressed off the skins after 5 hours, fermented in stainless steel.

Pearlescent pale salmon in the glass, with hints of jasmine overlaying the red apple, strawberry and cherry aromas. On the palate a deliciously moreish combination of lively red berry and plum fruit with a distinctly saline edge, crisp acidity and textural dryness.

Nga Waka 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc is always a little more restrained, more tropical and typically drier than the Marlborough archetype and this is no exception. A Gold Medal winner in the 2025 National Wine Awards Aotearoa, the grapes are grown on the heavier clay soils of the Pirinoa Block and fermented in stainless steel.

Pale lemon, with distinct aromas of lime, passionfruit, longan, and capsicum. On the palate citrus flavours dominate the entry, with guava and passionfruit filling out the middle supported by a crisp acid spine, textural mouthfeel and great persistence.

Nga Waka 2025 Riesling.

A new release, from grapes grown on the particularly stony Mike Kershaw block. Cool fermented in stainless with extended time on lees.

Pale lemon in the glass with a slight green tinge, it has lovely aromas of crushed lime, green apple, honey, ginger and white florals. The palate reveals a stylistic shift from its predecessors, more textured, not as austerely dry, but with crunchy acidity, lime and green apple flavours and just a hint of ginger spice this is definitely one for the cellar but hard to resist now.  

Nga Waka 2025 Chenin Blanc.

The very first vintage of this classic Loire variety, also from grapes grown on the Mike Kershaw block. Fermented in stainless steel with extended time on lees and 30% agedin old French oak barrels.

Pale lemon in the glass with a green tinge, presenting aromas of yellow apple and ripe pear with a gentle spice somewhere between cardamom and ginger. The ripe pear, apple and quince flavours have a creamy quality that fills the mouth, yet the wine finishes crisp and dry. Match with a green curry?   

Nga Waka 2024 Chardonnay.

Made from grapes from Pirinoa, Top Block and Omarere a mix of young and old vines, some dating back to 1995. Gold medal in the 2024 New Zealand International Wine Show. Barrel fermented with just 20% new oak, no malolactic conversion and 10 months on lees.

Light lemon in the glass with aromas of orange blossom, peach & grapefruit. The palate is quite full-bodied with a spicy oak bite, the ripe peach and citrus flavours are supported with a cashew like creaminess that succeeds the fresh acidity, the finish is long with a phenolic edge. I liked this better 3 months ago, it seems to be at a slightly awkward stage of development that hopefully will resolve in a few more months.

Nga Waka 2024 Home Block Chardonnay

100% Mendoza from the Home Block replanted in 2019, this flagship wine was barrel fermented with 25% new oak, unusually no partial malolactic for this one and ten months on lees.

Bright lemon, edging light gold in the glass with distinct spice edged ripe yellow peach, mango and pineapple aromas and a hint of vanilla. The full-bodied palate is rich, ripe and generous with a hint of Easter bun (or is the season playing on my imagination?). There is adequate freshness and minerality nonetheless which brings a long finish edged with toasted oak.

Nga Waka 2025 Gamay Noir

Also, a first vintage of this classic variety from Beaujolais in a cru style. From grapes grown on the Mike Kershaw block, full destemmed to tank where   they were fermented under a cover of CO2 gas. Just one hand plunge during 15 days on skins before pressing and racking to old French oak barrels for 9 months.

Bright magenta purple in the glass with distinct aromas of violets, raspberry and cherry with baking spices. On the well-weighted palate lovely red savoury fruit are framed with silky tannins and abundant freshness, already delicious but would love to see it again in 3-4 years.

Nga Waka 2024 Home Block Pinot Noir

From the three best barrels made from Clone 5 and 115 younger vines on the Home Block. Full barrel ferment and 12 months aging in tight grain French oak barriques, 20% new.

Ruby in the glass with aromas of dark cherry, violets, spice and oak. On the palate the classic iron fist in a velvet glove, with soft silky tannins framing powerful ripe berry, spice and tea flavours driving to a long finish.  

Nga Waka 2024 Lease Block Pinot Noir

A studied contrast to the Home Block from older vines planted in 1998, predominate clone 5 with Dijon clones making up the balance. Full barrel ferment with 12+ months of maturation in tight grain French oak barriques, 25% new. Gold meal in 2024 New Zealand International Wine Show.

Ruby in the glass, slightly darker than the Home Block with a powerful nose of pot- Pourri, dark cherry and Italian herbs. On the palate dark cherry, plum and cola nut flavours are supported by a distinct sous-bois savouriness, the tannins are bigger than in the Home Block but a little softer, the finish is long and satisfying.

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A Quiet Evolution Clearly Underway

Taken together, these wines offer a clear window into Nga Waka’s quiet evolution. The whites show a widening of the palette — the first Chenin Blanc and Gamay Noir, the stylistic shift in Riesling, the precision of the Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc — each signalling a team exploring new territory with confidence and restraint. And then the two Pinot Noirs draw the circle back to the heart of the Martinborough Terraces. The Home Block, all velvet‑wrapped power and floral lift, and the Lease Block, deeper, darker, more savoury and mature in its expression, form a compelling pair: different in personality, united in intent. They remind you that while the range is expanding, the centre of gravity remains firmly rooted in place.

What emerges is a portrait of a winery moving forward with purpose. Vineyard renewal, the introduction of new varieties, the strengthening of the cellar‑door experience, and the long‑view commitment to Lismore all reflect a business evolving without noise or haste. It is an evolution grounded in people — in the continuity from Roger to Paul, from Mike to Matt, and in the steady stewardship of Jay, Peg, and Mick — and in a deep respect for the land that shapes the wines.

Nga Waka’s next chapter is not a break from its past but an extension of it: patient, precise, and anchored in the character of the Martinborough Terraces. If these current releases are any indication, the future will be every bit as compelling as the legacy that underpins it — a quiet evolution, confidently underway

About the author

John Penney is a wine experience guide based in Martinborough, New Zealand. His lifelong passion for wine has been deepened through extensive international wine travel, formal wine study (WSET3) and a career in adult learning. Through his Martinborough-based business wineinsights, he provides exceptional wine tour, wine-tasting and wine education experiences for wine lovers and enthusiasts.

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While the Lismore vineyard is a name that’s synonymous with highly regarded Martinborough wines, it is also in a transitional stage, in need of some investment and strategic thinking to maximise the potential in the soil and the site.

To this end, the current plantings of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris will be removed later in 2026, the vineyard gently subjected to some restorative practices, and then replanted in Pinot Noir in 2027. And, says Nga Waka winemaker Paul Mason, excitedly, Syrah.

“It is great to acquire a prime site in the heart of the Martinborough Terraces. This three hectare vineyard has an excellent track record of producing top quality grapes and we are very excited to have the opportunity to own it. The combination of a warm, sheltered site and free draining soils are perfect for producing small quantities of high quality, distinctive wines, in the celebrated Nga Waka style. The potential for planting new varieties, in particular Syrah, is very exciting.”

This is a long-term project from a winery that’s always had a long-term vision.  Indeed, the new plantings will not produce wine until 2030, something Nga Waka Owner Jay Short says is further testament to the three decade old winery’s investment in the region.

“There’s been a great deal of ‘doom and gloom’ reporting of late in regard to the domestic wine industry. However, at Nga Waka, we firmly believe the New Zealand wine industry, and in particular the Martinborough region, has a long and rewarding future and we are keen to keep investing in that. We are all excited to see what these wines will look like in a few years’ time.”

For further information please contact

Mick Hodson, General Manager, Nga Waka

mick@ngawaka.co.nz     021 527 477

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Qualmark is New Zealand’s official tourism quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted mark of excellence for businesses committed to delivering world-class visitor experiences. Achieving Silver status is a testament to our dedication to continuous improvement and our commitment to sustainability, safety, and genuine Kiwi hospitality.

A Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Experience

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Nga Waka Wines. Our commitment to environmentally friendly viticulture ensures that our practices not only produce outstanding wines but also protect the land for future generations. From responsible vineyard management and waste reduction initiatives to energy efficiency and water conservation, we strive to minimise our environmental impact while enhancing the quality of our wines.

A Commitment to Best Practices

Visitor comfort is paramount, and we take every measure to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Our adherence to best practices in health and safety ensures that every aspect of our winery operations – from the vineyard to the tasting room – meets the highest standards. Whether you’re enjoying a guided tasting or exploring our scenic vineyards, you can do so with confidence, knowing that your wellbeing is our priority.

Genuine Kiwi Hospitality

At Nga Waka Wines, we believe that every visitor should feel welcome and valued. Our team is passionate about sharing the story of our wines and the land they come from. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you can expect a warm reception, expert knowledge, and an authentic taste of New Zealand’s renowned wine culture.

Receiving Silver Qualmark recognition reaffirms our dedication to providing an unforgettable experience – one that combines exceptional wines, sustainable practices, and the best of Kiwi hospitality. We invite you to visit Nga Waka Wines and experience firsthand what makes us a trusted and award-winning destination.

Come raise a glass with us and be part of a truly special journey!

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Paul is currently head winemaker at Martinborough Vineyard, and during his 20 year tenure has built an enviable reputation as an outstanding winemaker, winning many awards and accolades. 

Paul started in the wine industry after studying science at Auckland University and then winemaking at Lincoln University. He has worked vintages in New Zealand at Coopers Creek, de Redcliffe and Villa Maria and harvests in France, Italy, Chile, Australia and the US. He came to Martinborough in 2004 and in 2007 was appointed winemaker at Martinborough Vineyard, following in the steps of Claire Mulholland (Burn Cottage) and Pinot Noir pioneer Larry McKenna. His in-depth understanding of Martinborough and passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay makes him particularly well-suited to Nga Waka, with these varieties making up 90% of our production.

Roger Parkinson’s retirement is bitter sweet, having made every Nga Waka wine since our first vintage in 1993. As a pioneer of the Martinborough wine industry his retirement after 32 vintages will leave an incredible legacy both at Nga Waka, and also more widely across the region.

“When Roger announced his retirement, my first thought was how on earth would we find someone with the same depth of knowledge, passion and winemaking experience in Martinborough. But when we met with Paul about the role, we knew instantly that he was the right person to continue the story of Nga Waka, and expand on Roger’s legacy. We couldn’t be more delighted.” said Nga Waka owner Jay Short.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that Roger and his wife Carol have put into Nga Waka and the wider Wairarapa wine industry over the past 30 years,” continued Jay. “Roger has made some exceptional Pinot Noirs and set the benchmark for Chardonnay in Martinborough. I wish Roger all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

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Rainfall (mm)

 Growing Degree Days (heat units)

A rather typical season in many respects with one glaring exception. A major advective (cold air mass) frost in October took out most of our largest vineyard, Pirinoa Block. The cold air mass settled to the South of Martinborough and around Te Muna while the vineyards around the Martinborough township were largely spared. We lost all the Chardonnay and most of the Pinot Noir at Pirinoa Block.

Good rainfall up to Xmas 2018 set the vineyards up well for what was a very dry Summer. Heat units (growing degree days) were above average but cooler than 2018. Rainfall over harvest caused some minor inconvenience but we were largely able to pick on desired ripeness without having to factor in disease pressure. The wines of 2019 will be full-flavoured, fine-structured and elegant with good ageing potential. All in all, a classic Martinborough vintage.

Here are the average harvest parameters for each variety:

Roger Parkinson

July 2019

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Rainfall (mm)

 Growing Degree Days (heat units)

There’s always a danger with catch phrases like “small but perfectly formed” that somewhere in the past I’ve used it to describe a similar vintage. If I have, mea culpa!

The “small” part of the equation was established during the first half of the growing season with very cool and windy conditions prevailing right through until close to Christmas. If you compare seasonal Growing Degree Days, the heat units for October – December 2014 track very closely to the 2011-12 season which produced our last under-sized harvest.

Happily, the second half of the growing season was almost the opposite of the first half with some of the warmest, and certainly driest, months in recent history. Again, using the comparison with the 2011-12 season, for the first half of the 2014-15 season, heat units were behind 2011-12 but by the end of the season had reached 1148 compared to 988 for 2011-12. The smaller crop was further depleted by a couple of extreme wind events in January which hammered the vines and broke several posts. Irrigation was essential to maintain the vines ability to ripen the grapes and to help them recover from the wind damage. The latter part of the season was very benign and with the second half warmth, we commenced harvesting at our normal time, around the beginning of April. With the dry Summer, disease pressure was minimal and, despite some rain falling over harvest, the small crop of grapes came into the winery in perfect condition. Juice parameters (brix, pH, TA) were straight out of the text book and, more importantly, the juice flavours were both expressive and concentrated, “perfectly formed”.

There will only be small volumes of wine from vintage 2015 but, when released, they will be well worth seeking out.

Just a reminder re the Growing Degrees Days table above. Prior to 2013 I used the nearest dedicated weather station to provide the data for our Growing Degrees Days summary. It turns out that, due to its proximity to other structures, this weather station was likely to be over-stating temperature. The Growing Degree Days figures since 2013 are sourced from another local weather station that is set up in accordance with the rules that Metservice specify for siting weather stations. I haven’t re-calculated the earlier seasons but it is likely that, excepting the cold 2012 vintage, they will be ranged around the 2013 figure.

Here are the average harvest parameters for each variety:

Roger Parkinson

August 2015

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