The growing season of 2007 was in many ways similar to the 2005; very much a viticultural challenge.

Early spring was warm and mild; bud break began under ideal conditions in the Chardonnay on the 20th of September and finished in the Cabernet Sauvignon on the 18th of October. In November the weather turned cold and wet, December was the coldest for sixty years. This unseasonably cold and wet period continued through until mid February when we finally received some summer weather. The dry mild conditions continued until harvest and beyond, however by now the major influence of the cold period had already defined the 2007 season. Although in many cases there was a great flowering, the cold summer resulted in a poor fruit set and the vines began to abort bunches thereby enabling them to ripen a smaller crop.

Harvest began on the 29th March 2007 with Chardonnay from the lower terrace and ended on 30th April with Merlot. The Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc remained unpicked in 2007.

Despite weather problems the quality of fruit in all varieties harvested was good. The fruit in most cases was clean and showed a degree of varietal flavour and a natural acid balance. The fruit was hand harvested and collected in 500kg plastic lined wooden bins. Overall the yield was dramatically down, 2007 being the smallest harvest ever at Waipara West.

Although the growing season presented challenges for the viticultural staff the winemaking was actually quite straight forward. As crop levels were severely reduced harvesting could be easily scheduled to coincide with fruit ripening. While the quantity of all varieties was well down the condition of the fruit will still allow production of quality wines. The white wines of 2007 have very fresh flavours and good levels of varietal concentration. The Merlot has good colour and flavour and a concentration of aroma that one would expect in cooler years.