Central Otago - Finding the perfect dozen
The Central Dozen isn’t about finding the “shiniest examples” of Central Otago Pinot Noir, says Felton Road Winemaker Blair Walter of a new annual selection programme.
The company started with Pinot Noir on 12 March, and Gewürztraminer the second cab off the rank.
"Things are looking wonderful; the weather forecast is looking good; the sugars are looking really good; it's got lovely acids."
The crop is "on the lighter side" but not as low as he anticipated, with current estimates of a 10% to 15% drop on the average.
"But we haven't started on Sauvignon Blanc and that's the biggie, so that might be a bit lighter."
They also have some areas that were badly frosted, with 90% of the yield lost.
But with the rest of the vineyard just under normal, "we are pretty happy," Chris says.
