Challenging vintages seem to make the wine more memorable. Vintage 2017 presented the type of curve balls that call for critical decision making in order to protect the grapes as harvest approaches. In spring 2016 the start of the growing season was characterized by unusually low temperatures which held the vine phenology (growth stages) back. The normal seasonal milestones such as bud burst, shoot expansion and flowering occurred up to 30 days later than in typical years. Going into summer it was apparent that we would have a later harvest of whites and reds than we had seen in well over a decade. Mild temperatures, summer rains and up to four-day stretches of relative humidity ranging from 95 to 99%...
The Grace Farm style of sauvignon blanc semillon (SBS) favours complexity over simplicity by integrating the freshness of stainless steel tank fermentation with the flavour, structure and texture provided by 10% barrel fermentation in new French oak. The style offers the possibility of enjoying the fresh fruit character of each variety when young, and showcases the strength of each in the blend, but it also allows the wine to age beautifully and develop texture as it ages. BUY NOW The 2016 SeasonHot, dry weather in late January was a gift following a 70mm down pour that fell mid-way through the month. The white grapes were beginning to soften as the rain came down and threatened to split the delicate skins....
This month sees the release of our most highly-awarded wine, the 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet sauvignon is arguably the flagship varietal of the Margaret River region and certainly one that Grace Farm prides itself on. Viticulturist Tim Quinlan and winemaker Jonathan Mettam share their thoughts on what makes the Grace Farm Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon so exquisite:"Margaret River cabernet is particularly special because the maritime climate and dry summers allow for physiologically ripe grapes which are rarely herbaceous and provide a sweet core of blackcurrant fruit with exceptional texture and structure."Careful shoot thinning and leaf removal in the vineyard expose the bunches to day-long sunlight and even ripening through all areas of the vine canopy. From picking through fermentation,...
The photos below show the results of the 65mm of rain we received in January this year. In the first image you can see the incredible regrowth of the vines, with the tips poking through the nets. This occurred in certain patches of deeper soil where the water pooled more.In these areas the bunches of red grapes were shaded by the excessive foliage, as seen in the photo below. It's hard to believe there are any grapes hiding in there at all!As a result, these particular vines have been leaf plucked by hand to ensure even ripening throughout the entire vineyard block, which should result in a more consistent wine. The exposed bunches are shown below.This is winemaking in the vineyard!
The lead up to vintage has seen some nervous moments in the vineyard. On January 16 we had an unseasonal downpour, with 65mm of rain falling over two days. This led to minor outbreaks of grey mould (botrytis bunch rot) in white grapes through some vineyards (see photo below). Fortunately Grace Farm escaped the berry splitting that can compromise bunches and lead to grey mould. Interestingly, we used none of the synthetic fungicides which target botrytis and we feel fortunate that our programme of sulphur, kelp and fish emulsion sprays have kept the vines in good health and the fruit in pristine condition. At present the vineyard is completely netted and we are eagerly awaiting the first pick of chardonnay in...
