Newsletter
Greetings to all of you as we rapidly approach the festive season. One of our New Year’s resolutions each year is to write a regular plonkers newsletter…. we’ll try again in 2007!
After welcoming our fourth child, Dylan Nicholas, into the world on 3 rd June, things have chugged along nicely. We had an enjoyable Queens Birthday Weekend- it was lovely to see many of you over the three days. Our back-vintage tasting was once again a great success. We will continue to do our back vintage extravaganza every Queens Birthday Weekend, as it is great to try all the vintages alongside each other- something Ewan and I struggle to do by ourselves (I know good wines aren’t meant to give you hangovers, but there are some quantity limits!).
In the Vineyard
Pruning was going along at a good steady rate, until the warm dry end to winter resulted in the earliest budburst I’ve seen on the Peninsula. I’m usually safe until September, but not this year, with the warmer pockets and earlier bursting varieties waking up with 10 days of winter to go! Let’s just say the last week of pruning was a busy one, with no long lunches to warm the fingers and toes.
No doubt you’ve heard about the severe frosts that occurred in October. We have been extremely fortunate to come through unscathed. Our gentle slopes allow the cold air to drain away from the vines, so there has been no damage. Other vineyards have not been so lucky, with severe frosts wiping out entire crops in some areas. Sadly, the damage has affected many of the regions in Australia, including the Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley and Coonawarra……I don’t think there will be much mention of a grape glut with the 2007 vintage.
The past fortnight has seen extreme weather continuing- maximums struggling to reach 12˚C with gusty showers and some hail! This sort of weather in the middle of flowering will blow/wash a lot of the pollen away and result in a limited fruit set. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as 2002. Within a few days we’re up to forecast tops of 36˚C and total fire bans!
Even with the recent downpours, the total rainfall is not enough for any run-off into the dams; one dam is empty and we have covered the other with polystyrene sheets to try to minimize evaporation over the summer months. However, we are pleased to report that even in this extraordinary season, the vines look healthy and balanced. Fingers crossed for the rest of the growing season!
New Releases
We have been selling the 2006 Pinot Gris since August. Most people love the style, which is similar to the 2005 Gris. With Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne all wanting more than we made, it looks likely to sell out before the 2007 grapes are picked…so don’t miss out!
If you haven’t tried the 2005 Chardonnay lately, then do so soon! All the things I love about Chardonnay are present- complexity, fruit, some oak and plenty of persistence on the palate. Our 2006 Chardonnay will be bottled in December, and will be selling at cellar door from February, if not a little earlier.
In August we released our first Pink Pinot, which is Phaedrus’ take on a Rosé. Ours is a little lighter, with intense strawberries’n’cream aromas and flavours. The palate is a little sweet, but the hint of spritz leaves the palate refreshed…and wanting more!
The 2004 Pinot Noir is completely sold out, with our museum stock now located off site (we don’t trust ourselves!). Relax, the 2005 Pinot Noir is already available! Although a year younger, it has great body and complexity, with our trademark silky tannins that Ewan loves. If you’re looking for something a little older, then our Reserve Pinot Noir is available. The 2004 was released in October but with only seven dozen remaining, be quick!
Oh, the 2005 Shiraz? If you want to try this, you better hurry…Ewan believes it’s the best Shiraz he has made (and he’s drunk enough of it to have me convinced!)
Phaedrus goes International!
If you happen to go to Hong Kong you might manage to see Phaedrus Chardonnay and Pinot Noir there! October saw our first export order filled. Those who tried our wine at the trade show over there seem to have enjoyed it because we have already had another order for these wines, plus an order for the 2004 Reserve Pinot Noir (hence why there is not much left!). We are very excited and hope the orders continue throughout the coming years.
Important Change to Standing orders
The cellar door has been operating for over 5 years, with each year bringing more visitors. It is so pleasing for Ewan and I to see many repeat customers, most becoming Platos Plonkers! However, from now on we will not be sending wine automatically on standing orders as it is difficult to keep up with changing addresses and card details. If you would like to keep ordering periodically, please re-confirm by email, fax or phone. We are happy to oblige. Otherwise, just use the order form attached to our newsletters, contact us via phone/fax or email …..or just drop in!
A Tip for Avoiding Festive hangovers!
Although the silly season has barely begun, one must take measures to survive….and already I’m failing! Here’s a potion which might help any of you that suffer when really you shouldn’t: dissolve a berocca and two alka saltzer in 500ml of Gatorade/Staminade. Drink before retiring to bed. If you think you’re invincible before bed, have a friend/partner/parent/child administer!!
On that note, we hope you have a wonderful festive season with those near and dear to you. May it be filled with merriment, cheeriness and Phaedrus!
Cheers,
Maïtèna and Ewan