It seems like a while since the winery has been able to catch its breath, but we are now getting close. There has been little down time since harvest, with earlier than usual grading and blend finalisation due to the ever increasing market demand. We were very happy to taste the consistency in high quality parcels from right throughout the region…exactly what we needed given the smaller harvest.
The winemaking, lab and cellar team have since been frantic blending, stabilising, analysing and bottling the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc and aromatics, ensuring focus and attention to detail through every step of the process. It has been a mammoth effort and I would like to extend my gratitude to all involved.
At the time of writing, we have bottled over a third of the 2021 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc and are excited about the quality of the new release.
We will shortly be working on our Méthode Traditionnelle, Pinot Gris and oak aged wines, while still maintaining a busy Whitehaven Sauvignon bottling schedule and forward thinking and planning for the 2022 harvest.
At the same time, the winery has been undergoing a major redevelopment of our receival area. As soon as harvest was complete the heavy machinery rolled in and removed the old press bay and white barrel hall. It is taking shape nicely, most of the slab is poured, and it is now easy to identify where the various equipment and different locations will be. We’re all looking forward to getting a feel for the new site and equipment…it will be quite the change!
Peter Jackson, Chief Winemaker