Hawke’s Bay’s 2016 vintage has been described as elegant, phenomenal, succulent, and exceptional with harvest now complete. Renowned winemakers are boldly predicting this year will solidify Hawke’s Bay’s prowess as one of the greatest wine regions in the world.
“Our 2016 wines are delicious, the Chardonnays are as good as anything back to 2010,” said Michael Henley, Trinity Hill CEO. “Our Gimblett Gravels reds are juicy and succulent, soft and rich. The earlier-ripening varieties, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, are as good as we have ever made.”
Equally excited about the quality of this year’s yield is trophy award-winning winemaker Hugh Crichton of Vidal Estate.
“Our Chardonnay blocks were outstanding,” said Crichton. “It’s early days but things are looking incredible. This year we were able to pick at least a brix earlier than normal and we also experienced our first 100 percent success rate with natural ferments.”
A long run of warm, dry weather that had the nation talking has had growers and viticulturists celebrating. From mid-January to mid-March Hawke’s Bay had optimum conditions with more than 50 days where temperatures exceeded more than 25 degrees and little rainfall. PHOTO: Michael Henley, Trinity Hill CEO.
