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Settled warm weather has Hawke's Bay wineries heralding a "dream vintage" across both red and white varieties.
Rod McDonald, Hawke's Bay Winegrowers chairperson, said the grape quality was "very exciting" - from sauvignon blanc to merlot and syrah.
"That's the standout thing about this vintage. It's all things to all people," he said.
Warm weather at crucial times during the harvest, a lack of rain and, therefore, rot and a frost season which barely touched fruit led to grapes with great flavour harvested at the optimum time.
Black Bridge Estate's Xan Harding said 2007 was one "out of the box".
"Not only for whites but for reds. Every variety is going to shine."
And the flavour of the grapes this year was noticeably superior, he said.
Trinity Hill winemaker John Hancock agreed, saying the grapes were "very good to outstanding".
"We were well looked after by the weather. The whites really look good, and the chardonnay and pinot noir look absolutely outstanding."
Grape growers like Mr Harding are now catching up on paperwork put aside during the hectic harvesting time, while winemakers are into the serious end of the season.
Mr Hancock said there was some more picking to do at Trinity Hill, with dessert varieties still on the vine.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
