2026 Vintage Report
31 Aug
From bud break to harvest, the 2026 vintage has been nothing short of exceptional. Our winemaking team shares the full story in the report below.
Happy reading!
Now that the first wines are in the bottle it is timely to reflect on the vintage conditions that shaped the flavours. Overall, 2026 will be seen as a very high-quality vintage in all regions. September to April growing conditions were very favourable in both temperature and rainfall. Most regions recorded above average heat summation and average or below average rainfall. Central Otago being the exception where weather conditions were slightly cooler and slightly wetter than average.
Hawke’s Bay
Growing Degree Days 1303 GDD (LTA 1229 GDD)
Rainfall 399.6 mm (LTA 399.6 mm)
Crop level Below average
The first grapes were picked on the 24th February and the last grapes were harvested on the 10th March. A late February start has become the norm in recent years but what set 2026 apart is how quickly all of the fruit came in. The compressed nature of the vintage was probably more to do with the low crop levels and a very dry March than any major climate changes.
Fruit quality was exceptional with particular highlights being the Chardonnay and Merlot, both showing great concentration and potential at this early stage. Pinot Gris and Rosé look great, the Pinot Gris being a continuation of the aromatic style of recent years and the Rosé a nice combination of floral aromatics and a snappy finish on the palate.
Marlborough
Growing Degree Days 1366 GDD (LTA 1184 GDD)
Rainfall 318.4 mm (LTA 327.8 mm)
Crop level Average
The first grapes rolled into the Marlborough winery on the 19th March and harvest concluded on the 7th April. After a couple of years of early March start dates, mid-March seems ‘normal’. As with Hawke’s Bay, the harvest was compressed and, if it wasn’t for the timing of Easter, would have finished earlier. The vines had very healthy canopies due to quite a wet January (108 mm) so coupled with a warmer than average growing season, maturity was achieved with ease.
Fruit quality was exceptional and the initial take on the wines is similar. Where the 2025 wines have lovely aromatics, the 2026 wines have both aromatic purity and excellent concentration.
Until next time,
