A Pre-vintage Forecast from our Winemakers
A high-yielding harvest with a delayed finish mixed in with a full Rock Ferry Team effort and a dash of COVID prevention, and that may sum up vintage 2022.
This vintage being Rock Ferry’s 18th will be unusual and memorable in many ways. The Rock Ferry Cellar Door will be temporarily closing to allow our Cellar Door Hosts to join the vintage team, learning more about the winemaking and harvesting process while getting a bit dirty. There will be many first-hand stories told at the cellar door in the coming year adding to our dedication and wine knowledge.
And for the third time, we will be harvesting while COVID looms at our doorstep and operating under the current government restrictions.
A record-breaking rainfall in Marlborough for the month of February brought questionable growing conditions after an optimal summer. Our three vineyards seem to be in luck “with very little splitting and warm windy weather helping to minimize any botrytis infection,” according to Wine Director Allan McWilliams.
“There are some vibrant flavours starting to develop across all varieties, and while berry size is going to be larger than average, we have all the potential for another high-quality vintage,” says Allan. “Timing is looking to be a week to 10 days later than last year, more in line with an average season.”
“In Central Otago our Trig Hill Vineyard has experienced great weather with well-timed intermittent rainfall during the growing season and a fruitful flowering. This has provided us with healthy canopies and crop, with care required to manage yields,” comments winemaker Jordan Hogg. “Our team on the ground has been busy managing this growth both on the ground and in the vine canopies. At this stage harvest is tracking early, and we are hopeful and positive for a high quality and above average yielding season.”
Overall, Rock Ferry’s vintage is looking promising, and we can’t wait to try the wines created from this year!
*Photograph by Richard Briggs