Summer 2009

Well, the challenges of the climate across Australia have certainly been ratcheted up higher the past few weeks! Persistent drought, the lowest January rainfall in history, and soaring temperatures have dominated the New Year.

Yet, stoically, and diligently, as practical farmers do, Rob, Steve, Andrew , Lawrence and the vineyard team have done a terrific job in tending our vines and judiciously kept our limited water resources up to ensure leaves are maintained, the vine roots cooled , and the ripening bunches shaded from sunburn.

Fortunately, glasses of our chilled Riesling, Viognier, Sauvignon and Pinot Noir Rosé (along with the occasional artisan craft beer...) have kept our spirits up, and as optimists by nature and by choice, we are hopeful of bringing in another high quality, albeit low-yielding vintage in 2009.

It's the Chinese Lunar Year of the Ox (which, amidst profusions of cumquat trees, we witnessed during our quick visit to launch our wines in the vibrant wine scene in Hong Kong in January)... the Ox is used to hard work, so it's perhaps the appropriate metaphor for our times!

We have also just bottled our 2008 Yarra Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and have selected some very special ‘Reserve’ wines. Under wraps now, but due for release later this year.

As I write this, the first of our hand-pickers and machine-harvesters have been sent down the rows at our Willoughby Bridge Vineyard in northern Heathcote, with our Yarra Valley and Merindoc Vineyards not far behind.

Although it is shaping up to be a challenging year, our vines are holding up well, testament to the hard work we have done in the vineyard throughout the year. We’ve worked hard to encourage biodiversity, promoting the existence of beneficial bugs and plants, therefore reducing reliance on herbicides and pesticides. This year, our entire Merindoc Vineyard was operated organically, with our Shiraz block being given that extra little bit of TLC, in the form of bio-dynamics. Cover crops have assisted in keeping the roots cool and helped prevent the re-radiation of heat onto the vines. Our vine architecture has helped keep the fruit shaded from the afternoon sun. Post harvest, we’ll continue to care for our vines, ensuring they keep their leaves and build up high carbohydrate stores before their dormancy, allowing them the best possible start in Spring.

Stephen and Kate and have recently returned from Hong Kong where our wines have been successfully launched into this market. Exciting times as residents have seen the tax on wine reduced from 80% 2 years ago to 40% before being scrapped completely. How sensible.

We are happy to say that our recent office renovations are now complete. As well as having some more space to house our team, we have installed extensive solar panels on the roof. They currently account for over 20% of our power requirements at cellar door.