What a glorious Autumn we have been having this year! The magnificent Autumn leaf colours seem to be reflecting the brightness the weather has delivered to winemakers across the Tamar. Yet in late February I had doubts we would ripen anything other than the Pinots! The winter had been exceptionally wet and the spring slow to warm. Summer had no ‘fire’ in it, then from March 1st, bingo, we started a period of warm days and nights, quite unusual for Tasmania.
Malbec was harvested on the 21st of April and Merlot on the 27th and despite temperatures dropping at the start of May, the rains have held off so that this week we have brought in the late reds. What stands out is the depth of colour in the reds without high alcohol. This will be a vintage to watch.
I’m often asked ‘what is my favourite wine?’ in our line-up. This changes with time but currently the 2014 Byzantine is the standout. This wine is exactly as I wanted it to be, aromatic, rich, tangy and exotic with a distinctly Mediterranean profile to it. I wish wines like this could be ‘dialled up’ more often, but this is Tasmania and we are at the mercy of the elements.
As the years roll by we are experimenting further, so we now have a 2016 Malbec to be released later this year, and from this vintage we have a Pinot blanc, a ‘ white’ Pinot noir and a 100% Shiraz Rose to add to our already large range for a small producer. This may not be the most efficient decision but the desire to experiment with varieties, blends and styles is irresistible.
A reminder that the 2017 Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend is on the 20th and 21st of this month at Princes Wharf No 1 opposite the Salamanca precinct on the Waterfront in Hobart. A beautiful part of the world and a very comfortable venue with great views. We will be showing four wines-
2010 Pinot noir- delicate, mature and nuanced
2008 Merlot- complex, mature and structured
2013 The Mattock- fresh, fruit driven and long
2013 Shiraz- fresh, medium weight with spicy lift
So make time to come see us and enjoy this great event.
Finally, when you get a chance, have a look at my recent blog
https://www.greysands.com.au/drives-33-years-in-wine-world/
Cheers,
Bob
Grey Sands Autumn-garden
