2021 Vintage Report
The 2021 vintage at KAHIWI will be remembered as a tale of two halves, divided by heavy New Year rains. A settled spring and early summer gave way to fluctuating weather fronts and wild temperature swings. This dynamic season challenged us but ultimately yielded wines of remarkable character and complexity.
Early Season (September - December 2020): The growing season began dramatically, with a snow event on September 28th coinciding with budburst. Despite its theatrical entrance, the snow caused no harm. Moisture from plentiful rainfall prior to budburst was quickly wicked by the strong and early arrival of windy fronts. October and November brought increasingly warm, dry weather, aligning with La Niña predictions and accelerating vine growth.
Flowering occurred early, spanning November 25th to December 8th. A mid-flowering storm brought high winds and heavy rain, potentially reducing berry numbers.
Mid-Season (January - February 2021): January marked a turning point, bringing over 50mm of rain in the first few days - a welcome relief after 2020's dry finish. Temperatures soared past 35°C but were tempered by mid-month rains. February presented a spectrum of conditions, with highs reaching 34°C and periodic snowfall on nearby peaks above 1000m. Veraison began on February 1st, progressing steadily through the month.
Late Season and Harvest (March - April 2021): March brought variable weather patterns, demanding meticulous fruit monitoring. Harvest commenced at 5:30 am on March 29th, coinciding with the full moon, and concluded on April 7th. We picked in the cool early mornings, often by torchlight, to capitalize on the vines' circadian rhythms. A severe wind event on April 4th tested our resolve, but we persevered, successfully harvesting 14.5 tons of Pinot Noir.
Winemaking: Our 2021 winemaking approach reflected both the season's character and our commitment to terroir expression. We initiated 19 separate fermentations, including whole bunch components and experimental batches to capture the vintage's full complexity.
The 2021 vintage at KAHIWI speaks of precision and detail. These wines promise to offer a unique expression of our site, shaped by a season of contrasts and challenges.