VINEYARD NEWS
From the vineyard at Apple Tree Flat, Mudgee
The last fruit came off the blocks this week, hand-picked in the cool of the morning, which closes out another vintage.
Quality looks strong across the vineyard, with good flavour and balance. Everything is in the winery now, ferments are underway, and the wines will move into tank and barrel over the coming weeks.
It is early to say much, but the signs are encouraging.
A dry run into vintage, with low rainfall, persistent wind and a run of hot days, has pulled the picking window forward.
Like most growers in the region we are also managing bird pressure as the fruit reaches its final stages of ripening.
Picking starts next week with Chardonnay, then moves through the rest of the vineyard. Despite the season, the fruit is tasting excellent.
Six rows of Nebbiolo and four of Vermentino went into the stony ridge this month, on the driest corner of the estate.
First fruit is four years away, and we will not rush it.
This season's Sangiovese Rose is available at the cellar door and online, in time for the warm months.
Canes are down and the vineyard is asleep. Winter is when the decisions that shape next vintage actually get made, one row at a time, by hand.