After a wetter than average July and August, we’ve moved towards beautiful warm weather across November and the start of December, creating the perfect growing conditions for Vintage 2023.
The elevated estate vineyards sit at 236m – 265m above sea level (pictured). Planted in 1985 from old cuttings, the varietals are showing perfect development as we move closer to our 38th vintage in the Hunter Valley.
We look forward to sharing updates over the coming months to the 2023 harvest of our single vineyard wines.
2nd of January
The 2022 growing season in Pokolbin was the wettest calendar year on record since 1950. BOM recorded that vineyard sites received more than in 1950 1435ml. Compared to the 2019 season being the driest year at 365ml.
The start to 2023 has been dry with constant days of 25 degrees and above. The drier conditions have seen the vineyards flourish with steady leaf and fruit development. Over Christmas and New Year irrigation across all varietals has continued for 12 hours and applying ‘sunscreen’ to the vineyard to protect the crop.
6th of January
5pm a large storm went through the property, the conditions continued to be wide spread across the Hunter Valley region.
The plan now is to implement further fruit protection programs in the vineyard to ensure the proper fruit development for the upcoming harvest.
Fortunately the week commencing on the 9th of January has been beautifully dry and sunny with temperatures around 32 degrees.
This years vintage should begin around the 26th of January, which is historically normal for the Hunter Valley harvest.
3rd of February
Vintage started today with the Verdelho coming into the winery at optimal ripness. The predicted start date for Chardonnay and Semillon has been delayed due to the cooler conditions. This year will be the latest start date for harvest on record.
From the 27th of January to now conditions have been incredibly dry, which has increased the beaumé to ideal. The Chardonnay and Semillon are predicted to now be hand harvested mid next week.
7th of February
This would be one of the latest start dates to vintage for the Hunter Valley. Our estate Chardonnay was hand harvested today and the week ahead will be busy with three consecutive days hand harvesting the whites.
8th of February
The best parcel of McLeish Semillon block 3 came into the winery clean. We are pleased with the ripness and flavour profile of the juice.
10th of February
The final parcel of Semillon block 2 & 4 were hand harvested today.
A small amount of (20 rows) Semillon has been allocated to making our botrytis Semillon, this we predict will be harvested towards the start of March.
The vineyard and winery team are pleased with the quality of the white fruit that has been processed.
17th of February
