Growing Season
Budding was earlier and more even than for the 2023 vintage, but the Cape Storm of September 24th/25th caused damage which resulted in significantly lower yields. In general, Pinotage and Sauvignon blanc handled the challenges of the growing season well versus other varieties, where high rainfall and untimely rainfall created significant disease pressure. At 25.05 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2024 was warmer than the particularly cool 2023. Burgundy, for example, for the equivalent period in the Northern Hemisphere has an average of 24.66 centigrade. Harvest finished earlier than 2023 with ripening more variable, requiring careful selection. Our Pinotage had particularly small berries and thick skins, while our Sauvignon blanc acids were wonderfully high at harvest, although in some parcels the pH was a little higher than 2023. The wines produced have beautiful texture and electricity. There was just not enough of them.
