The 2026 vintage at Stargazer presented a season of contrasts, serving as yet another annual reminder of the dynamic nature of viticulture here in the Coal River Valley.
Following another characteristically dry winter, budburst commenced as per normal in mid-September. However, as we progressed into spring the weather brought formidable challenges. Relentless rain, strong winds, and unseasonably cold temperatures, particularly throughout November (which was 3 degrees below average!), led to delayed shoot development and a particularly demanding flowering period.
Yet, without being too much of a Pollyanna (not my normal state), these early adversities did offer an advantage. The inclement weather naturally regulated the vine architecture, yielding beautifully open canopies and lower-than-average yields. This inherent balance significantly reduced the manual canopy management we typically undertake during a standard season.
While summer and autumn returned to our historical average temperatures, the sluggish spring delayed the onset of harvest by 10 to 14 days across most of our blocks.
The culmination of this challenging season looks to be exceptionally rewarding. The combination of the cool start, naturally restricted yields, and optimal canopy airflow has produced fruit of remarkable concentration and intensity, entirely underpinned by the driving, vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of Stargazer wines.
