15/04/2026
Stark-Condé Wines ∙ Harvest Report 2026 🍇🌄🍷
The 2026 vintage was shaped by a dry growing season, with below-average winter rainfall and lower-than-average precipitation through most of the cycle. Despite this, soil moisture levels remained sufficient, supporting healthy vine growth and good overall vineyard balance.
Strong winds during flowering led to slightly reduced yields, although bud break and fruit set was even across most blocks. With little rainfall until late February, careful irrigation management was key. The dry summer conditions kept disease pressure low, resulting in clean, healthy fruit at harvest.
Warm weather accelerated ripening, leading to an early start to the harvest. Picking decisions were guided by careful vineyard tasting to ensure optimal flavour development alongside phenolicripeness. Yields were well below average, with small, loose bunches and berries contributing to good concentration. Ripening was notably even across varieties.
The white wines show purity, freshness, and intensity, while the reds display amazing colour, intense flavour and structure. A gentle winemaking approach, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon, has been central to preserving balance and achieving refined tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon stands out as a key variety in 2026, showing excellent colour, structure, and consistency. Overall, the vintage is characterised by balance, clean fruit expression, and strongquality across both white and red wines. We believe it may be one of the stand-out vintages of the past decade.
– José Conde, cellarmaster
