Astrolabe Vintage Report 2008

- Publication date: 20 May 2008

Buds burst a little earlier than usual and dry conditions characterised the early growing season. A warm December led to very good flowering and a large number of berries and bunches.

Buds burst a little earlier than usual and dry conditions characterised the early growing season. A warm December led to very good flowering and a large number of berries and bunches. One good rain after flowering and another at veraison (when the grapes obtain their colour) punctuated an otherwise arid early season, but allowed good cell division and cell growth in the berries – leading to heavier bunch weights at harvest.

The harvest period was a little challenging with some rain events leading to pressure on harvest logistics around the district. Flavours were very good, due to the excellent and slightly advanced early part of the growing cycle and Astrolabe was able to pick most blocks at the perfect time. The Awatere Valley was especially strong with great flavour intensity in both the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. The Gewurztraminer and Riesling have very pure and concentrated fruit expression while the Pinot Noir is a little more feminine than usual with less tannin though very attractive colour, aromatics and flavour. We probably have our best Chardonnay for some years maturing in the barrel cellar.

I am confident that our wines will be as good as, or better than, the previous season and look forward to taking them to the market.

Simon Waghorn

May 2008.