Friday, 06 December 2024 15:25

Haere Ra 2024: Waiheke

Written by Staff Reporters

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Leon Henson, Vineyard Manager at Batch Winery and Auckland's Young Viticulturist of the Year 2024, looks at the year that was.

The Good

Weather conditions this vintage favoured a spectacular ripening period. Rainfall was far below average in January, February and March, with plenty of sun to boot.

The Bad

Yields were low, perhaps because of last year's funny business (Cyclone Gabrielle). Instances of sunburn and dehydration were high - the Batch vineyard team went through exactly 4.5 litres of sunscreen, not to mention the aloe vera gel.

The Awesome

Here's what to expect from the 2024 vintage from Batch and perhaps Waiheke in general: the Bordeaux is inky and purple and plummy with bold tannins; the Syrah is perfumed and electric purple with amazing structure; the Chardonnay shows bright citrus flavours and punchy acidity. This was a quality over quantity vintage, so get 'em while ya can.

Published in Regional Updates

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