It is early June 2025 I have just started pruning coinciding with a flourish of cold weather and fingers crossed some long overdue rain.
Summer 2024-25 was hot and very dry our dams were very low and barely had enough water for 3 short waterings of the front block. A large lightning event started fires on December 16 in the Mirranatwa Gap area which progressively grew larger and burned a huge area of the Grampians National Park and much private land heading towards Moyston and Willaura. On several occasions Moyston was on evacuate now status! We were relieved that our property wasn’t impacted directly, and the smoke wasn’t serious enough to cause any taint to the grapes. The fires continued until February really only being quelled by burning back on to previously burnt ground. Initially FFMV tackled the fires using practically ever firefighting aircraft available and of course hundreds of CFA volunteers fought the fires tirelessly. Including our local gallant Moyston Brigade. Well done team!
This year we harvested on March 1, the earliest time ever in part due to the massive increase in kangaroos moving from burnt areas to where grass was still available for them to graze. We netted the larger block but made the decision to leave the front block uncovered and opened up the fences opened up to allow quick access for our firetruck just in case fire came. The kangaroos had a field day in my estimation eating 200 kgs. of grapes each evening until there were none left.
The 6 rows of Riesling now 4 years old had some really nice fruit but not sufficient in quantity to bother making into a separate wine instead it was added to the Shiraz.
The current release of Reserve Massif Shiraz is the 2021, a magnificent wine and being received very well.
The line up of Shiraz at cellar door in addition to Reserve Massif also include the Clayfield Moyston ‘Ton Up’ Shiraz 2017 and 2016 & 2014 Clayfield Grampians ‘Black Label’ Shiraz, Clayfield Thomas Wills Shiraz 2017 is out of stock as is the Clayfield Pallah 2018. We still have some 2012 Black Label Grampians Shiraz which has aged beautifully and is a stunner, available only at cellar door and on the website shop.
The 2022 and 2023 wines are still in barrels and tanks, looking magnificent and will be bottled mid Spring. There’s a couple of barrels destined for Pallah, a new Thomas Wills and Black label.
Visitors to our winery have now becoming accustomed to been greeted by Lulu (another Jack Russell) our newest team member. Ruby is our adorable Weimaraner, who I refer to as the senior citizen now. Both dogs are happy to meet you don’t be frightened they both are vocal and are very affectionate. They both love pats and sit down with us while you enjoy your wine tasting.
Enjoy your visit to the Grampians we would surely welcome you to visit us and purchase our lovely Shiraz.
Please call ahead if you intend to visit a heads up will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Simon Clayfield