Events

Festivale 2010

A huge thank you to all those who came to see us at Festivale this year. It was a terrific weekend, with even the forecast rain holding off. The "sneak previews" of the 2009 Delamere Riesling and the 2009 Delamere Chardonnay were extremely well received. These wines are currently available to Wine Club Members only, and will be officially released in mid-March.

We hope that those Newsletter Subscribers who took advantage of their free glass of the 2009 Riesling enjoyed it and found some suitably "gourmet" food to pair with it (I'm sure that wouldn't have been a problem!). Great entertainment, great food, great wine and great company. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Shakespeare in the Vineyard

Another terrific event coming soon is our annual Shakespeare in the Vineyard this Sunday the 7th of March. Performed at Delamere Vineyards by Hobart's Directions Theatre Company, this year's production is Shakespeare's classic love story "Romeo and Juliet". Commencing at 4pm, tickets are available at the gate ($15), one hour prior to the performance. Wine, beer, gourmet cheese and a little something sweet will be available from the Delamere cellar door, but feel free to bring your own picnic. No BYO alcohol, sorry (I'm sure you understand). For more info click on this link.

New Releases

As many of you would be aware, the 2008 Delamere Chardonnay sold very well and we have been out of stock for several months. Not surprising after it made the top 20 new releases for 2009 in the Australian Financial Review. Apologies to those who missed out. However, the cool-climate chardonnay lovers amongst you will be very pleased to hear that the 2009 vintage is due for release in mid-March. The wine has developed into a stunning drop, with fresh citrus and white peach aromas and flavours, complimented by creamy complexity from natural barrel ferment, lees stirring and a touch of malo-lactic fermentation. Classically Piper's Brook and distinctively Delamere.

The 2009 Riesling, which we will be previewing at Festivale, is also due for release in mid-March. I have long been interested in Riesling as a pure and classic cool-climate variety. The decision to source fruit off site was sealed with the offer of a small parcel of Riesling from an exceptional, award winning West Tamar vineyard, aptly managed by Fiona and Julian Allport. Quite rich for a Tasmanian Riesling, it shows lemon blossom and some tropical character, and I have really focussed on building the texture of the wine to compliment the zesty acidity.

We are now accepting pre-release orders for both the Riesling and the Chardonnay from Wine Club members only, which carries the 15% Wine Club member's discount. For information on the Delamere Wine Club click here.

Back At The Ranch

In the vineyard, the growing season got off to an awesome start with plenty of moisture in the soil for the vines, thanks to record winter rainfalls. The vine canopies are looking lush and green, providing a fantastic "engine room" for building flavour in the developing grapes. The crop levels this year are moderate, an ideal sprinkling of evenly spaced bunches through the vineyard. With the lovely clear summer weather we've been enjoying, 2010 has the potential to deliver a real cracker vintage. On the home front, I've got a personal reason to hope for a very special vintage this year. I will be laying down a few extra bottles from 2010 for future celebrations of the birth of our first child. With our baby due in March, right in the middle of vintage, many of our friends have questioned our planning ability, but we are over the moon regardless, and I know I will manage to find time in the middle of vintage to experience and enjoy this life changing event.

Current Release Wines

Delamere Blanc De Blanc 2005 - $35

The last six months under cork for this wine has really developed the palate beautifully. Creamy texture with rich nutty complexity. A great sparkling wine from a great vintage.

Delamere Sparkling Rosé Non Vintage - $25

Often a favorite in cellar door. A sweeter red berry fruit character from the 100% Pinot Noir make up of the wine, this blend is so delicious in the warmer months, chilled icy cold with an alfresco lunch. Great value too.

Delamere Pinot Noir 2008 - $40

Pinot Noir; the variety that Delamere is developing quite a reputation for. The intrigue complex spice that it a hallmark of the Delamere Pinot Noir site is starting just starting to come to the fore. Great drinking now but I will continue to develop well with good cellaring for the next 8-10 years.

Delamere Chardonnay 2009 - $35

Release Date: March 15th, orders from Wine Club Members accepted now: info@delamerevineyards.com.au

Delamere Riesling 2009 - $30

Release Date: March 15th, orders from Wine Club Members accepted now: info@delamerevineyards.com.au

For more information or to order click here.