As we look back on the 2021/22 growing season, we’re reminded it was one of contrasts. In calendar year 2021, we recorded our highest rainfall since Keith started working at Moss Wood, all the way in 1979. The amount was 1440mm, some 40% above average. Boy, did we have some wet days!

Temperatures were accordingly mild and the vine growth during spring was relatively slow. Chardonnay didn’t start flowering until late October and lasted for 5 weeks. However, the weather was beginning to change because during that time we experienced 11 days of rain and received the relatively low amount of 43mm. The accompanying temperatures were a little on the cold side, when there were 12 days where the thermometer recorded less than 8°C, for a total of 60 hours. Luckily, there was only one night where it got seriously cold and we recorded 3.8°C but the other 11 nights were all around 7°, so not too bad.

Once Mother Nature flicked the switch to “Dry”, that’s where it stayed for most of the season. We only received 15mm through the summer and most of which fell in the first week of February.

The vineyard looked in good shape as the season progressed and so we were a bit disappointed when we started picking, with yields lower than we hoped. Bunch numbers varied a bit but were 3% above average across the board. However, bunch weights were down by 14%, so the final crop came in at 5.96 tonnes per hectare, down 11%.

Returning to the point, the final 6 weeks of ripening took place in very pleasant conditions and the fruit flavours evolved at a leisurely pace and full ripeness was evident by 9th March.

There is much to discuss here but in summary, the 2022 Moss Wood Chardonnay will evolve in the following way. Its youthful brightness means over the first 5 years it will be enjoyable for those who prefer lots of generous young fruit flavours. As it ages through 10 years, this will diminish a little and the bottle bouquet of butter and toast will begin to play a bigger role. Once it reaches 20 years of age, these will be the dominant characters and the wine will be fully mature. However, it should maintain good balance and be enjoyable drinking for at least another decade.