Well Folks...another vintage has come and gone, and what do we have to look forward to?
In what was another hot season for most of Western Australia, we found that most of our crop yields were above average, and on the back of last years particularly low yields, this was very refreshing indeed!
A particularly warm spring led to early and rapid bud-burst, with early harvest estimates predicting picking some 3-4 weeks early! a very mild December, however slowed things down and subsequent fruit set and berry formation followed a familiar pattern of development. There were some quite severe hail storms in Margaret River which, depending on vineyard location, dessimated some crops (particularly chardonnay!), however our vineyards were spared any substantial degree of damage.
In all, Sittella crushed 145 tonnes of fruit; approximately 60% white and 40% red. The first fruit picked was our estate grown chardonnay on January 20th, and the last, some Frankland River Shiraz on March 31st. This has been the biggest crush we have done and i am very happy with all fruit and wine quality accross the board.
By now, all of our 2008 whites have been bottled and will all be available to try in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for some of these wines i am particularly excited about ! Our first release Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, an elegant estate grown Verdelho, and another first release, a Late Harvest Verdelho. In barrel some of the wines looking particlarly smart already, are our Swan Valley Shiraz and some of our reserve material.
Thankyou once again for your continued support of Sittella Wines, and i hope you enjoy our new releases in the coming year.
Sante' |
