Tim's Ravings

VINTAGE 2023 - THE SEASON 

No two seasons are the same, but 2023 has been 'extra' different so far! We've had a bit of everything this year, culminating in the latest pick dates I've seen in 26 years here. 

Our exceptional vineyard team were tested by extreme wet over winter and into early spring which was also cold. They rose to the occasion, getting all the sprays on in time and didn't get bogged once (a minor miracle). We eventually took delivery of our new high performance spray cart mid-November. I kid you not, the day after it arrived, the weather pattern changed, and the rain stopped. Go figure. 

We were hit with hail in early Jan and lost around 25% of the crop, which could have been worse. Moderate temperatures and low rainfall through summer was ideal; and now as we head into ripening with Autumn on our doorstep we're bracing for a hot spell. 

Disease pressure is low, and conditions are great for the continued slow and steady ripening we want to hold fruit flavour. The heat will kickstart the action, but the cool Autumn nights as we move into March will keep gently pumping the brakes for a smooth progression to ripe & ready fruit. Should be a ripper! 

NEWS FROM THE WINERY 

Vintage has been well and truly prepared for this year thanks to the nice late start. Work that was made much easier by the new LED lights throughout the winery. 

Our amazing Cellar Hand, Kat, showed great initiative, applying for an energy saving grant last year for energy efficient LEDs plus an energy efficiency audit to happen during vintage when power usage is at its peak. 

The dazzlingly bright lights have made working easier, more pleasant and safer as well as reducing power usage. The only downside is that now we can't ignore the spider webs lurking in the corners... Overall, another big tick for our sustainability program. 

We brought in our first fruit of the season on 16th Feb (for a client) - and drank a toast to a great 2023 with the last of our bubbles. 

NEWS FROM THE TEAM 

The lovely Jaime, who many of you will know from lunches, the cellar door or phone calls has made the move from front of house to back, taking on the role of Warehouse Manager last November. No more weekend work! 

It's a fresh new challenge for Jaime who's been with us 10 years now, and an opportunity for us all to benefit from her incredible depth of knowledge about both the wines and the history of the Estate. We wish her all the best. 

In between packing your wine orders, she's looking forward to auditing the Museum Cellar and we can't wait to share what she uncovers, while polishing her new-found forklift skills. Go Jimbo! 

We bid a fond farewell to Ben, our exceptional Vineyard Hand. He started with us aged 19 as a Cellar Hand, 2 years later asked to move to the vineyard to follow his passion for horticulture and sustainability and is leaving to pursue a career in conservation. We are so proud of you Ben and wish you all the best. 

Welcome to Kaleb, Ben's replacement who joins us from Tyrells and started this week.