2021 VINTAGE REPORT

All kinds of life show us that the more diverse we are in what we can do, the happier we can be.
The same goes for our land, and this vintage was the reward for our farming, growing a lot of grass and having healthy soils as our bedrock.

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We walked into it with the easy swagger of people with nothing to lose, the type of confidence draped in the scars of the previous year. Then what happened was a vintage that just kept giving back, if you were prepared to embrace and not force or question it.

 

The primary reason was of course nature’s gift – an ideal growing year. A wet winter, vibrant spring with a cool summer. Providing conditions for nice fruit set, long ripening and relaxed picking.
A rare mix of yield & class was the result.

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We also saw superb balance around the Vale; the classic sub-regional timing of variety and vineyards, a gift for our sustainability work. For us, certainly the best in our ten years of vintages for Hither & Yon.
One for the growers and makers – lucky we are both!

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We chose to pick a wee bit later, to give full fruit flavour but still bright, fresh acidity and crunch, tannin and earth texture. The ferments had a lot of energy, starting early and happily going through without intervention. We had time & space in the winery.

 

There is freshness & tension in the wines now, providing many options for maturation, blending and styles. But like the season, patience will be virtuous.
We also will have exciting new vineyard and varietal wines to release, and some other special beverages.

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Finally, if we think about what we see as important at Hither & Yon, it certainly was all about our soil & people.
A beautiful environment and a passionate team, thank you.

Mal Leask.