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Five mile Shiraz: an update
Vintage Report 2008
Today is the first of June, and we have finally declared our vintage over for 2008, with the bottling of the 2008 Chardonnay last Thursday.
Yet again the weather has produced a set of variables which has greatly affected the crop. We saw some very welcome rain in December, only 75 mm, a mere 68% of that months expected rainfall, but after the previous months dry weather we rejoiced. The rain continued in January (143mm, 125%), and February ( 132mm, 138%), with little or no break in the overcast conditions. This meant that the whole region struggled to ripen the fruit, and the constant drizzle which continued well into March created the perfect conditions for mildews and fungus to run riot. Consequently, yields were down again, and the grapes that we did manage to ripen enough to pick were at the low end of the baume scale.
We were lucky enough to receive reasonable amounts of good white grapes, Chardonnay, Verdelho and a tiny parcel of Semillon, but the only red grape was a very low baume Cabernet Merlot mix. The resultant wine is very light, and we are still undecided what we will do with it. Luckily the reds from last year are very full bodied, and in sufficient quantity to see us through til next year.
So this year we will be releasing a 2008 Verdelho, medium sweet, as usual. Also a 2008 Verdelho, dry, and a 2008 unwooded Chardonnay. The Semillon will stay in the cellar for at least 18months before it's release.
Five Mile Shiraz
The story... We managed to get a very small parcel of very good fruit from a friendly neighbouring vineyard (Shadylane Farm Vineyard) and so as not to lose this fruit in the "big" ( by our standards ) mechanical crushers we had to do everything the hard way, by hand. Friends rallied round and in the blazing midday sun we stripped the grapes from the stems by hand, crushed by in the time honoured way, by foot, and pressed, all manually. Caitlin, our cellar hand, said she trod at least five miles in crushing the grapes, and so the name was born.
The update: Five Mile Shiraz, all 140 bottles of it, has lived up to our expectations, and we feel it is an exceptional wine. We bottled it last week, and have put it away in the cellar for a few months.
By the time we give all the stakeholders a dozen bottles as was agreed, we will be left with about three dozen bottles for sale. We will have the wine professionally assessed, and then offer those in the know (you), the opportunity to purchase a bottle. Keep an eye on this web page for news as to it's release.
Wine Dogs of Australia
If you have visited a few wineries around Australia you may be familiar with the book "Wine Dogs of Australia". You will certainly be aware of it if you have visited our neighbours, Captains Paddock, since their dog Merlot was the only Queensland dog in the original book, that is until the 2007 edition. The 2007 edition was released in October and Merlot has been joined by some canine colleagues including our very own Dylan. Dylan is a handsome Welsh Springer Spaniel who is happy to greet any guest as they arrive "IF" he is allowed out to play on that day. Unfortunately for Dylan he is generally kept inside out of mischief during business hours, but he can happily make special appearances by request.
What's Happening in the Region
We will try to inform you of special events in the region however the definitive portal for the South Burnett in our opinion is the South Burnett Online website. A link follows for your convenience.
Wine and food in the Park Festival: 2008:
A report:
The festinal this year was an absolute cracker. It was attended by thousands of people and as usual the weather was glorious. The crowds were entertained during the day by the stage performers, and bands of wandering street entertainers kept everyone, children and adults alike, very amused. (See the picture of the musical chefs on the right).
The wine tent was packed from early on in the day, with folk tasting the local wineries product, and other fare from the South Burnett, such as our famous local cheeses, olives, and dragonfruit. In the evening the blues and rock from the stage kept everyone grooving on into the evening.
Wine & Food in the Park is an annual event, and the next one, will be held on the second Saturday in March 2009, so mark it in your diaries. Be sure to book your accomodation early as Kingaroy and surrounds sees a lot of visitors that weekend.
The event has its own website which will be updated by January so if you are interested you can follow this link: www.winefood.southburnett.com.au
There is live entertainment from 10.00am till 8.30pm and South Burnett wineries will attend in force to promote and sell their wines. It is a great fun day. See you there?
Availability Outside Normal Business Hours
We are open 362.5 days of the year from 10.00am till 4.00pm. The only days we are closed are Good Friday, Christmas day, and Anzac day till 1.00pm.
We understand however that this may still not fit in with everyone's plans consequently we are amenable to opening at other times for groups and special events by appointment. Our ability to respond may depend on our circumstances and the nature of the request and in some circumstances may include some additional charge.
Please contact us if you have a special request and we will try to respond positively