It is September 2023 pruning was completed a few weeks ago and soon the buds will burst back into life with fresh shoots starting the growth cycle over once again.
Winter 2023 was cold but not as wet as 2022, the dams have sufficient water to allow some irrigation if needed. The Riesling we planted in place of the Merlot is doing alright and we may get a tiny crop in 2024 possibly enough to make a tiny amount of wine. The few kilos of Riesling grapes I harvested this year went into the Shiraz but I was blown away by the intensity of flavour they exhibited.
The 2018 Reserve Massif Shiraz has been on sales since earlier this year. It’s a firm wine with 15.1% alcohol and being received very well. Those that remember the 2015 Massif this new wine is very similar.
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 and Clayfield Pallah 2015 and 2018 which are all elegant wines. In addition there’s the 2012 Black Label Grampians Shiraz which has aged beautifully and is a stunner, available only at cellar door and on the website shop.
Visitors to our winery may remember the affectionate welcoming by Ernie (Jack Russell X), sadly Ernie passed away in May 2022 and has a lovely plot overlooking the vineyard. Ruby is our adorable Weimaraner, she is almost 10 years old, don’t be frightened as she talks loudly. If she comes to great you she loves a pat and sits on command easily.
Enjoy your visit to the Grampians we would surely welcome you to visit us and purchase our lovely Shiraz.
Cheers, Simon Clayfield