The 2023-24 growing season was another rollercoaster, but in the scheme of things, a better year. A little frost (in October), but then slow, beautifully warmer days throughout January – February, made for a somewhat quick harvest for most Vignerons. The later ripening grapes such as Nebbiolo and Aglianico are still taking their time, but are looking exceptional! Read on for some highlights from this years harvest, and what to drink now from some our Vigneron’s below…
Peter Bartholomew and Donna Pelka, from Granjoux
How has the 2024 harvest gone for Granjoux?
Peter says: Our 21 rows of Chardonnay were picked on February 23, and the little we got was pristine. The 55 rows of Shiraz were harvested on March 11, after great ripening conditions! 22 fabulous pickers had the 3.5 tonne shiraz off the vines by 10.30am. We’re very happy with the ’24 fruit, and in our eyes, it was perfect…apart from a frost early in the season. 2024 was a dream vintage for Granjoux.
So, what should we drink now, whilst we wait for this year’s wine to be bottled?
Peter says: The response to our first release – 2021 Granjoux Chardonnay, has been wonderful, and apart from it being almost sold out, we’d suggest getting yourself a bottle, or two! Second to that, our 2021 Granjoux Shiraz has received fantastic reviews. Huon Hooke (The Real Review) awarded this wine 96 points, which for him is rare. Beechworth Shiraz is the real hidden gem of the region, punching well above its price-point.
Tessa Brown and Jeremy Schmölzer a.k.a. Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown
How has the 2024 harvest gone for VS&B?
Tessa says: After numerous cooler and more challenging growing seasons, this season, although sadly frost-reduced, has marched along quite quickly with concentrated small crops ripening relatively early alongside the return of El Nino. So far, Chardonnay is looking superb but all of our other fruit is still on the vine. A grower Sangiovese we netted looks completely sublime in early days also.
And what should we drink now, whilst we wait for this years wine to be bottled?
Tessa’s pick: You should pick up the last of our 2021 VS&B Thorley Chardonnay and 2021 VS&B Thorley Syrah online – the Syrah is drinking particularly superbly.
Rob Hawkings from Indigo Vineyard
How has the 2024 harvest gone for Indigo Vineyard?
Rob says: After a horror frost last October expectations were low. For the first time we’ve picked Shiraz and Viognier to co-ferment. The Shiraz was beautifully ripe, and the Viognier – riper than we would want if we were making it as a varietal wine. It is early days, but its looking fantastic! Of course, it will be about 18-months before we are ready to look at bottling, so time will be the judge of this blend.
So, what should we drink now, whilst we wait for this year’s wine to be bottled?
Rob’s pick: Our 2018 Indigo Vineyard Secret Village Shiraz is drinking beautifully. That’s not only my opinion, but it’s supported by several wine reviews and trophies!
Daniel Balzer from Willem Kurt
How has the 2024 harvest gone for Willem Kurt?
Daniel says: Vintage so far has been excellent, and there has been a lovely intensity of fruit flavours, and great natural acid levels. The chardonnay, in particular, is looking exceptional! The weather has been mild, and there has been enough rain to keep the vines healthy and happy, but not enough to cause any problems. The crop and canopies have been pristine.
So, what should we drink now, whilst we wait for this year’s wine to be bottled?
Daniel’s pick: Our 2021 Willem Kurt Chardonnay is drinking beautifully now, and is available online and at our cellar door. This chardonnay has received a number of exceptional reviews from wine media, as well as a gold medal from the 2023 North East Victorian Wine Challenge. We are particularly proud of it as it’s the first wine to come from our own vineyard, and excites us in anticipation for future vintages!
Mark Walpole from Fighting Gully Road
How has the 2024 harvest gone for Fighting Gully Road?
Mark says: After regular rain throughout the season (except September), all the vines are looking in excellent health. Plenty of soil moisture has ensured shoots have filled the trellis, and some requiring trimming – which is an unusual need at the Fighting Gully Road vineyard. Despite all the wet weather we have managed to keep the two main diseases (powdery and downy mildew) out of the vineyards. In the past couple of weeks the weather has changed – with an absence of rain, and some warm days which allowed us to begin harvest sooner than expected. We have now picked all of our Chardonnay – which looks to be as good as we’ve ever produced!
And what should we drink now, whilst we wait for this years wine to be bottled?
Mark’s pick: Our 2019 Fighting Gully Road Syrah is perfectly placed for your Autumn drinking. With a lightness of touch, this wine gives up an arresting array of spices led by a light sprinkling of black pepper, elevating the ripe, and richly complex black and red fruits. One third of the fruit was placed in the fermenter as whole bunches. Two percent of pressed Viognier skins were added, then the remaining grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed. The perfect companion to the cooler nights approaching.
Raquel and Hugh Jones, a.k.a. Weathercraft
How has the 2024 harvest gone for Weathercraft?
Raquel says: Despite some frost and weather pressure, vintage 2024 has been one of the better vintages at Weathercraft. Balanced yields of exceptional quality will ensure delicious wines can continue to be enjoyed by punters. The chardonnay especially, looks to be hitting its stride and one can expect power, poise and purity of fruit.
So, what should we drink now, whilst we wait for this year’s Chardy to be released?
Raquel’s pick: Whilst we await the ‘24 Chardonnay’s release in a couple of years, why not enjoy our current release, the 2022 Weathercraft Estate Chardonnay, which is drinking particularly well!
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Image credit: @traviarti | Simon and Helen Grant.