Heppington Vineyard

2023 vintage report

 

In East Kent we had a lousy spring and summer, apart from a hot spell in June. Because the 2023 crop was generated by the exceptional conditions in 2022, we faced the prospect at the end of August of a huge but under ripe crop. However, not unlike 2021, we were rescued by the Indian summer of  September and October and by the time of harvest in the last 2 weeks of October the sugars and acids were at respectable levels. So, ultimately, we are pleased with the end product. Anecdotally I have heard that similar conditions in champagne led to big crops but, because they harvest in September, they did not achieve the level of ripeness we were able to achieve.

Of our varietals the Pinot Gris had the best balance of brix and TA. Our wine makers were very pleased with the quality of the fruit in general, but we shall have a reduced quantity of still Chardonnay this year. So overall I’m relieved and optimistic that the product from this year’s harvest will live up to last year.