the marlborist Vintage report, 2022
Just a few of our legendary crew of helpers.
No vintage is ever the same and that’s why we love what we do at The Marlborist. Due to the challenges set out by Mother Nature as well as shortage of labour due to ongoing Covid-19 lockdowns we received more than our usual number of sleepless nights over vintage. Thankfully, due to our experienced growers, meticulous vineyard management and a few hail mary phone calls, The Marlborist wines are all safely tucked away in barrel already exhibiting good ripeness and structure, underpinned with a freshness that will be a hallmark of the season that kept everyone on their toes!
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The 2022 growing season will be remembered for it’s share of challenges with Mother Nature and the impacts of the Omicron outbreak felt across the region.
A hot and relatively dry spring provided a promising start, with superb flowering conditions. Higher than average sunshine hours lead to good fruit set, high bunch numbers and increased berry weight required a close eye to manage yields.
In December, rainfall curtailed our early enthusiasm with the tail end of Sauvignon Blanc flowering affected by the wet conditions, resulting in an elevated risk of disease.
The New Year bought an extended period of warm, settled weather allowing the vines to get back on track before grinding to a halt in February when significant rainfall and unseasonably cool weather hit the region. Elevated humidity set off isolated botrytis infections necessitating a significant amount of work in the vineyard to open up the canopies and remove affected fruit.
A welcome return to classic warm, sunny Marlborough skies throughout March allowed the vines to recommence ripening and the first hillside Pinot Noir hand-picked at full ripeness on March 17. Labour shortages and the threat of more rain prompted an SOS call for pickers, and with the help of friends and family we hand harvested pristine clone 15 Chardonnay on March 21.
Temperatures remained above average into early April with the last of the Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc picked in perfect condition on April 4.
1429 Growing Degree Days (LTA 1276)
415mm rainfall (LTA 386mm)