3rd April 2017
WHITES
A late start to the season relative to recent years has meant we are picking in cooler weather which is good for optimising fruit flavours and quality. Padthaway Chardonnay ultimately destined for Yellow Label is fermenting well with nice peach and nectarine characters. We're now turning our attention to Adelaide Hills Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with early parcels into the winery showing good crisp acid and fresh fruit flavours. A promising year so far.
- John Ashwell, Wolf Blass Winemaker
REDS
Earlier ripening reds from the warmer South Australian regions such as McLaren Vale, Barossa and Clare Valleys are finally arriving at the winery in a steadier stream after a much delayed start to vintage. Shiraz is being picked with lots of fruit flavour and intensity at lower Baume levels than most recent years, and could be broadly categorized as medium to full bodied rather than the bigger brash wines of warmer vintages. Cooler regions such as Langhorne Creek are only just starting this week, with the later ripening varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon along with everything from the even cooler Limestone Coast still too come.
- Steven Frost, Wolf Blass Senior Winemaker