Boland Cellar Master and Craftsman Johan Joubert on the 2016 harvest

“This year saw one of the earliest harvests since 2013 and will be remembered for the quick ripening conditions due to the extreme dry temperature caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Luckily the quality of most of the white varietals and some reds were higher due to good physiological ripeness.

All white cultivars were harvested up to 7 days earlier ensuring good varietal fruit-flavours and a naturally lower pH, resulting from the constant dry weather and warmer ripening temperatures.

Due to thicker berry skins, all our white varieties, like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay show a fuller palate concentration and good ageing potential. The dryer conditions from August 2015 to January 2016 led to our red grapes having smaller berries and looser bunches, delivering fruit with ripe grape tannins.

Grapes from our different climatic areas with their varying soil types were selectively vinified and kept separate as far as possible. This selective vinification process helps us identify different styles and emphasises the quality and differences needed for each of our wine ranges.

We are extremely excited about our Chenin Blanc and Shiraz which promise great quality despite the extreme weather conditions.”

He concluded by observing: “Indeed a harvest where your knowledge and experience counted.”

Top image: Cellar Master Johan Joubert critically evaluating and tasting 2016 Chenin Blanc must before wood maturation commences