The 2024 harvest season in New Zealand has brought both challenges and triumphs. Lawson’s Dry Hills’ Winemaker, Marcus, presents a detailed report from Marlborough, capturing the essence of this year’s vintage. Despite facing a few obstacles, the harvest has yielded wines of remarkable quality, showcasing the team’s resilience and expertise. Join us as we delve into the specifics of the 2024 harvest, exploring the unique conditions that have shaped this exceptional vintage and the promising characteristics of each varietal.

2 0 2 4 H A R V E S T  R E P O R T

by Lawson’s Dry Hills’ Winemaker, Marcus

“Put simply, the 2024 vintage in Marlborough was exceptional”

“Spring presented a few frost threats and there was some damage in the area, but we weren’t heavily affected. Cooler weather over the flowering period did have an effect though, with lower-than-average fruit-set, meaning less bunches and less berries translating into lower overall yields – Sauvignon Blanc was approximately 20% down on an average year.

With such little rainfall during winter, some of the blocks required irrigation from November. This led to some big canopies, but we managed them well, ensuring the vines were in balance and had good airflow from maintaining open fruit zones. This kept disease pressure low and contributed to us harvesting completely ripe grapes in perfect condition.

The combination of low rainfall with a warm, dry summer and cool autumn was magical. The low yields meant both intense flavours and complete ripeness, so we were able to harvest the grapes in perfect condition and give each parcel the love and attention it deserved.

Harvest was earlier than normal with the Pinot Noir coming at a relatively leisurely pace and with such low levels (down around 30%) all the other varieties ripened in a rush. With such great fruit quality and ideal weather, we had to harvest as quickly as possible so that the grapes didn’t over-ripen. Apart from a couple of later picks for Pioneer and late harvest wines we were finished before the end of March.”

Sauvignon Blanc – High flavour intensity with a nice mix of tropical and herbaceous characters, balanced by a crisp acidity.

Pinot Noir – Lovely, concentrated berry fruit characters, ripe tannins and deep colour.

Pinot Gris – Luscious, juicy and packed with ripe stonefruit characters. Chardonnay – as always, concentrated with a bright acidity, lovely elegance.

Chardonnay – As always, concentrated with a bright acidity, lovely elegance.

Gewurztraminer – Lifted floral aromatics, lovely balance and concentration.

The 2024 vintage from Lawson’s Dry Hills in Marlborough stands as a testament to the remarkable interplay between nature and expert vineyard management. Despite a few early setbacks, the harvest has produced wines with intense flavours and perfect ripeness, a direct result of the warm, dry summer and cool autumn. Lower yields have translated into concentrated and vibrant wines, each variety showcasing its unique profile with outstanding quality. From the high-flavour intensity of the Sauvignon Blanc to the lovely and concentrated Pinot Noir, this vintage promises to be a standout.