Despite relatively small crops in 2024, Marlborough grape growers are once again proving their generosity by donating to the 100% nonprofit Borough Wines brand. Numerous parcels have already been offered to Borough Wines, and conversations are ongoing with other growers and wine companies.
Borough Director and Wither Hills General Manager Geoff Matthews has been delighted with the 2024 season: “The 2024 vintage was exceptional – despite some changeable weather in spring which led to lower crops than we would ideally hope for, the season was very dry with high sunshine hours – perfect conditions and some of the best I have witnessed over the last 25 years. Cool nights in late summer kept good fresh acidity levels and come harvest, fruit was in perfect condition without a sign of disease. Lots of sunshine and almost no rain allowed picking to take place in a relaxed fashion as each block ripened to perfection.”
One of the parcels of 2024 grapes comes from longstanding supporter John Flanagan, owner of the Muffaletta Vineyard in the Omaka/Fairhall region. Harvest there began about two weeks earlier than usual on 14th March. John explains: “This was largely due to the low yield as a result of cool temperatures in December over the flowering period, as well as an amazing period of hot, dry weather over the summer months. As a result, the fruit was of exceptionally high quality, with an abundance of flavour and concentration and absolutely no disease whatsoever. It was some of the best fruit the vineyard has ever produced.
Matthews is excited with the quality of grapes donated: “We can’t wait to see the 2024 wines from Marlborough become available as they have the potential to be some of the best the region can produce”