FINALIST -
BEST CELLAR DOOR IN HUNTER VALLEY
FINALIST -
BEST NEW RESTAURANT, HUNTEr valley
2008 VINTAGE ROUNDUP
We started picking grapes on January 14, 2008, which is relatively early. The cool ripening period produced interesting flavours in all whites and they ripened early as a result of our low yielding vines. We averaged 1.5 tonnes to the acre for the whites, which was twice the 2007 yield. Well-managed canopies ensured we had great shading to allow for the development of fine characters in all the whites.
Mid vintage rain held up the ripening of the majority of red grapes. We managed to pick our Shiraz mourvedre before we had any rain and also took off the merlot and Barbera before the rain had any effect. The balance of the Shiraz and cabernet sat for almost 4 weeks before they finally got to full ripeness and we managed to miss all the disease issues that have plagued the other vineyards and pick our entire 320 acres. The final Shiraz and cabernet came off at 13.8 baume, which was exactly what we were aiming for. The botrytis had a great year in the Semillon, which was left out, and we have made a wonderful style again.
MARGAN FINISHED PICKING FEB 28
Just before the rains came again!!
A total of 440 tonnes from our own 320 acres.