/ by Rosie Finn
The season started with a windy and dry spring resulting in a consistent bud break. Flowering was rapid and even, with some varieties faring better than others. A lower number of bunches than normal was recorded but this was offset with better bunch weight.
December saw some sporadic rain events that pushed canopy growth along however post xmas Nelson reverted back to warm and very dry weather. For the second year in a row, extreme dry and warm conditions continued into February before reverting to a much needed “autumnal” finish leading into harvest.
Fruit continued to ripen without significant increase in sugar accumulation and the season progressed 7 days ahead on average. Harvest commenced with the Pinot Gris on the 17th March and finished with Riesling from Rosie’s Block on the 29th March. A short and compact harvest.
A vintage to be remembered. Not only for the high quality of fruit but also due to the surreal pressures that industry, and world, were put under due to the COVID19 pandemic.