The region experienced a good vintage in 2021, with the star performers for the region including Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz and Merlot.
“It was a wetter than average growing season for 2021,” explained Windowrie vigneron Jason O’Dea. “This was more than welcome after a number of years of drought across NSW.”
Harvest commenced within the usual timeframe, around the second week of February. The rain caused a few fungal issues along with some hail; however, these issues were managed well across the region.
A couple of rain events during vintage caused some delays with picking. Any disease was quickly brought under control with judicious vineyard management.
“The organic growers had larger than average yields,” continue Jason. “This was most likely due to larger bunch weights brought on by the summer rains.”
There was 100mm of rain in the second half of March which created a few issues for some growers with later ripening varieties, however most of the fruit had been harvested at this stage.
“The 2021 vintage was fast and furious with few delays between varieties effectively condensing the vintage intake.
“It was great to see good quality fruit being harvested, with the cooler and wetter season helping build flavour, resulting in average to above average yields reported across the region.“