2026 - The Earliest Harvest Yet

The vines have done their work for another year. For Daniel, it's another chapter in a story that began with his first Marlborough harvest back in 1983. For Lee, it marks his 22nd harvest at No.1, and for both, their earliest one yet!

"A mild spring, zero frost, and Pinot Meunier kicking into veraison in early January meant we were picking weeks ahead of schedule, finishing on 2nd March, a date that in any other year would just be getting started," says Lee Dobson, Winery Manager & Winemaker.

Hand-picked from our estate vineyard and carefully selected grower sites, the fruit made its way to our specialist Méthode Traditionelle winery, where it was weighed and loaded into a press with a story of its own. The Vaslin Champagne 4000 was imported by Daniel in 1984 and has been part of every harvest since.

"Even after 43 Marlborough harvests, it's always a thrill to taste that first juice running from the press," says Daniel Le Brun, owner and founder. "She's been with me through every Marlborough vintage bar one, an important part of our journey."

With fruit in tank and primary fermentation complete, the wines are now undergoing malolactic fermentation, nature's way of softening crisp, green-apple acidity into something rounder and creamier. For Lee, it's a pivotal moment: "This is where the wine's character really starts to show."

Early signs are promising showing stone fruit, great acidity, and plenty of potential. We won't rush them. That's not the No.1 way. But when the first bottles from this 2026 harvest are ready, we know they'll be worth the wait.