The 2023 harvest season started off with a very mild and wet spring, which ensured that the soil was at full moisture capacity before budburst. The mild weather meant that budburst happened later than usual followed by further cool and wet conditions during flowering, resulting in pollination being impacted and lower yields than normal. It also meant disease pressure was high early in the season, but the vineyards who managed the conditions properly (including having open canopies to allow airflow) faired well. Drier conditions from January onwards halted the mildew pressure.

At this stage (last week of February), harvest is running around one week behind last year - the 2022 vintage Lower Tintara Sauvignon Blanc was picked on 16th February, while this year it will be picked on 23rd February.

Although vintage has started slightly later than last year, temperatures in mid-to-late February were higher, which sped up the ripening. It now looks like it will be a condensed vintage, something that can make things a bit tricky in the winery with a lot of blocks being picked in a short period of time.

The cooler temperatures during most of the ripening period has ensured fantastic natural acidity in the fruit, which is ideal for the style of wine we are making. We can’t wait to see the fruit in the winery!