June 30, 2009 5:10:20 PM EST
Vintage 09 began very gradually for Flying Fish with the first batch of fruit (the Pinot and Chardonnay for our Sparkling base) arriving mid Feb.
With rains arriving soon after, the harvest of the whites were delayed and, not unlike the rain, grape bins drizzled through to the loading pad in uncommon spurts, leaving the winery crew to be twiddling their thumbs one day and then running around like crazy (though a super efficient and organised team that they are) headless chooks the next.
As a result of the weather slowing things down, the ripening process of the whites was enhanced, enabling an accumulation of flavours leading to more full bodied whites with juicy palates. Another benefit was that the cooler weather allows higher amounts of natural acidity to be retained in the grapes, ensuring the resultant wine will be fresh and zingy.
With warmer weather returning, the start of March saw things speeding up with the white grapes arriving almost daily. The red intakes closely followed and sometimes overlapped during mid March.
Reports from the Winemakers are that the 2009 Cabernet is rich in red fruit aromas, firm with natural tannin and deep, dark and dense in colour. The Merlot is alive with briary and herbal tones and showing more concentration then we have seen in a long time.
Our much acclaimed Shiraz vineyard again came up with the goods. Black in colour, perfectly ripe and balanced in tannin and acid, and leaping out of the glass with spice and violets, this will be a wine to watch carefully.
The last fruit to see the inside of the crusher was the varieties for our Italian Job blend which came through halfway through April. This Sangiovese, Nebbiolo blend again looks too be a ripper. Deep crimson, ripe red fruits and firm in tannin has enabled the winemakers to again represent this Italian style to the best of their ability.
