Autumn 2009

The last time you heard from us vintage was just beginning, now it has come to an end for another year, as Autumn, ‘the season of mellow fruitfulness’ rolls on. In summary, it was a vintage that provided our vineyard team with enormous challenges. But we’re pleased to say that they rose to meet them with enthusiasm and dedication. Along with keeping our vines tended during this important harvest season many of our staff members were dashing out to assist in their roles as CFA members. Our staff and vineyards in Heathcote and the Yarra Valley were very fortunate, escaping damage from direct fire attack and smoke taint.

The major words on everyone’s lips are ‘a vintage of extremely low yields’, down by as much as 40%. While our numbers people are not smiling, the low crops have resulted in some intense flavours and very high quality fruit heading into the winery. Firstly, a cool, windy and wet flowering season in December led to low berry numbers per bunch, then the continued dry season kept the berry sizes small and concentrated. Finally, our handpicked vines enabled the selection of perfect bunches, with those that may have been affected during the heatwave not making it into the picking bins.

We’ve been busy out and about at several food and wine events over the past months including The Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Point Family Fair Day, Federation Square Wine Series Showcase, Cellar Door at Southgate and the Heathcote Longest Lunch. In our travels, it has been fabulous to see familiar faces, and meet new ones. We extend a warm welcome to all our new Wine Club members. For those of you who tried your luck at guessing the number of corks in the jar, we are pleased to announce Karen from Thornbury as the winner. Amongst stiff competition, she correctly guessed 258 corks when she visited our stand to win a Magnum of Shelmerdine 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (valued at $130). Congratulations Karen!

Autumn is a fabulous time to visit the vineyard as harvest comes to an end and the landscape begins to turn from verdant green into a striking patchwork of orange, russet and gold. Please visit the events page for the full calendar.