Winter 2010
Dear Friends,
As we write this year’s newsletter we have just completed our 21st consecutive vintage.
For many years we have used a mobile bottling machine to package all of our wines. The plant was housed in the barrel shed and everytime it arrived we had to shift all of the barrels out to make room. We finally bit the bullet and commissioned a new bottling line in October last year. It is a lovely new shiny Italian masterpiece that gives us complete control over the bottling and packaging process. This can only mean more consistent and better quality wines for all of our customers.
Over the past 21years we have seen both the highs and lows of the Australian wine industry. Changes in taxes, changes in the preferred wines styles and now the awareness of health risks associated with binge drinking. Most wines, including Turkey Flat, are consumed with food and are an important part of the social fabric of any civilized society. Of particular note is a good news story for women. There are considerable health benefits associated with a glass or two of red wine per day. Lu Wang, a medical instructor at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts studied 19000 women. The study found that females that enjoy a glass of wine after work have a lower risk of obesity than tee-totalers and red wine was associated with the lowest weight gain. So girls, relax and enjoy a glass or two of Turkey Flat after work.
Last year we introduced tutored “Butchers Block” tastings featuring limited and current release wines matched to a selection of locally produced cheeses. These hosted, sit down sessions were received so well we decided to add another dimension to this experience and in May, launched our “Master Classes” which will focus on rare and back vintage releases with the same structured format. Now we can cater for a wider spectrum of customers; from those who simply wish to enjoy a more interesting, yet still informal tasting experience, to those who knowledge and learn more about the history of Turkey Flat. Each season we will offer new tasting menus which will be available for viewing on our website.
Every year we seem to add a new face or say a farewell to a member of the Turkey Flat family. This year we say goodbye to Kate Neldner who has been with us for the past three years as our Finance and Administration Manager. We thank Kate for her dedication and professional manner that she performed her role and wish her well for the future. We also welcome Melissa Dahlitz to the cellar door crew. Melissa comes to us with a passion for food, travel and wine and we are sure that those of you who visit cellar door will enjoy her company and conversation.
Cheers!
Christie & Peter Schulz
Vintage Report 2010
The Barossa was rewarded with late winter and above average spring rains. These were the best rains for five years, filling the soil to capacity and giving our vines an excellent start for the coming season. Warm conditions in early spring led to an early bud burst, and a cool October kept the vines growing slowly. The November heat affected the fruit set of some varieties, especially Grenache, fortunately this does not translate to a reduction in fruit quality!
The relatively warm ripening conditions in January meant that vintage started slightly earlier than average. The weather in February and March was perfect for ripening. Warm days, cool nights and no rain resulting in some of the best varietal expressions we have seen for a few years.
So in summary, early indications are that the 2010 vintage, will be one that produces wines of great quality, personality and true varietal expression.
New Releases
2010 Rose
The 2010 vintage has delivered another fresh and vibrant Rosé. A warm summer and a mild autumn allowed perfect conditions for ripening Rosé varieties. Displaying a brilliant ruby colour, with soft tannins and a crisp, dry balanced finish with complexity and elegance.
2008 Mourvèdre
The suitability of Mourvèdre to the Barossa’s climate was proven during the 2008 vintage. The varieties vigorous canopy and late ripening allowed the fruit to withstand the extreme heat wave the Barossa suffered in mid March. Low yields have resulted in a rich and generous wine with great length of flavour and a fine, chalky finish. A complex and aromatic bouquet of violets, bay leaf and wood spice compliment a palate of fresh raspberries and white pepper. Enjoy now with a richly flavoured meal or cellar for a further 5-10 years.
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2008 Shiraz
The heatwave in March caused grief for many growers across the valley, and while we’d like to say that it was good management on our behalf, in truth, it was sheer fortune that the majority of our Shiraz was harvested before the intense heat descended. Extended pre and post ferment maceration has given the wine a fine tannin finish. The 100% French oak adds depth and length of flavour to the structure supporting a palate of blackberries, cedar and nutmeg. A complex wine which will need time to unfold. Cellar up to 10 years.
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2008 The Last Straw
Inspired by the rare and luscious vin de paille of France’s Rhône Valley, this is the fifth release of this sweet white, made from 100% Marsanne grapes. A slightly lighter and crisper style than previous vintages, this sweet wine is not only suited to traditional desserts; served as an aperitif it will drink well with savoury dishes & tapas such as green olives stuffed with white anchovies, Manchego with quince paste or try with salt cod fritters.
2008 Shiraz VP
In 2008 the Barossa Valley experienced 13 days over 35 degrees- a one in 1,000 year event which provided the ideal conditions for us to produce this rare release of fortified Shiraz. Sourced from the original vines planted by Silesian refugee Johann Frederick August Fiedler in 1847 and in honour of our Barossa winemaking heritage, which was founded on the production of fortified wines such as this. A dense sweet wine which is best served by an open fire with strong aged cheeses or with chocolate truffles.
Other Current Releases
2009 Butchers Block White
Our 2009 Butchers Block White is a blend of Marsanne (57%), Viognier (32%) and Roussanne (11%) produced from fruit grown in our Stonewell and Bethany vineyards. A crisp, minerally white with flavours of ripe white stone fruits, citrus and grapefruit are enhanced from partial barrel fermentation in French oak hogsheads.
2007 Grenache
This varietal Grenache is produced from the ancient dry-grown vines which stand proud at the entrance to the Turkey Flat estate. Rich, lingering cherry, plum and spice, this wine will develop more savoury characters with age. We recommend decanting prior to serving.
2008 Butchers Block Red
The 2008 Butchers Block Red is a blend of Shiraz (52%), Grenache (24%), and Mourvedre (24%). Produced from our Stonewell and Bethany vineyards,each varietal component of this wine was vinified separately, and aged in both hogsheads and larger format French oak for approximately 18 months. The result is a complex full-bodied red with seamless oak integration. This wine will also benefit from careful cellaring from 5-10 years.
NV Sparkling Shiraz
A few of our finest batches of Shiraz are selected and matured in seasoned French oak for up to three years before being tiraged in the traditional
Champagne method. Dark ruby red, subtle and complex aromas of plums, cherry, blueberry, panforte, dark chocolate and earth follow onto a full-bodied and intensely-flavoured palate.
Rich yet refreshing, it has fine, soft tannins and complex flavours. Serve chilled with Peking Duck.
NV Pedro Ximenez
Pedro Ximénez is a grape variety which has been grown in the Barossa for over a hundred years. Sourced from one of the original old vineyards,
we allow the fruit to raisin, concentrating the natural sugars and flavours. The grapes are then crushed, fortified with fine brandy spirit,
pressed and matured in French oak where the new vintage joins a 13 year old solero. This rich, sweet wine is the perfect way to end an evening with desserts or cheese.
