As the 2024 vintage enters its final stages now, all the of the winemakers in the region are more than happy with the quality of what they have in their cellars. The vintage was one the earliest on record, starting in the second week of January. Warm and dry conditions in spring 2023 meant the vines were all carrying a lower crop than normal, which is also part of the reason the ripening happened quicker than normal. The harvest period has been relatively stress-free in terms of weather, with warm, dry conditions being the majority of the January weather patterns. Across the region, yields are averaging approximate 20-30% down on a normal vintage, however quality is extremely high. Semillon and Verdelho both came on quickly with great fruit intensity and acidity, whilst the chardonnay ripened slower and the resulting wines will be elegant and have good depth of flavour. The Shiraz is being harvested currently and the early blocks which are now fermenting all have outstanding deep colours and rich flavours.
Chris Tyrrell, HVWTA President
