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What’s on at Portree - Summer 2004 The vineyard is looking very good after a return to "normal" weather conditions. Normal, in the Macedon Ranges means a wettish Spring and warm weather in the early Summer period. We have had the best flowering conditions (mid December) for many years which should have a positive effect on vine yields. All in all, a great start to the season. In a break with our normal policy, we entered some wines in the Daylesford Wine Show in November last year with very pleasing results as follows:
In the Chardonnay class we had four of the top seven wines. As you know we do not have a large retail presence but will be approaching some of the independent Melbourne retailers as potential stockists of the Portree range in the first half of the year. Details will be announced on this site and via our email newsletter. By the way, thank you for your response to our first newsletter in September of last year. We aim to send them out approximately three times per year - if you change your email address, please let us know. We wish you all a happy and prosperous 2004. Ken & Lyn PS The 2004 edition of Robin Bradley's "Little Gold Book" is in the shops with a first up five star entry for Portree Chardonnay.  We are pleased to announce that the vineyard has been selected as Victorian Vineyard of the Year - 2002. This annual competition is organised by the Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment (formerly Dept. of Agriculture) to encourage and promote the role of the vineyard in the wine industry. Given our belief that the vineyard is the heart and soul of our business it should come as no surprise that we entered the competition, but with approximately 400 vineyards in Victoria it was a great thrill to take out the award. Our second piece of news is that Merit Wines Boutique Ltd., a small Hong Kong wine importer has begun distributing our wines in that country. If you are visiting Hong Kong in late September this year look out for a series of dinners, lunches and tastings featuring the skills of Chef Shannon Bennet (Vue de Monde restaurant) and Portree wines. As I write, vintage is almost behind us. Cabernet Franc is being picked
tomorrow (29/5/02) and we are looking forward to a short break before
the start of pruning. The year has been difficult, with low yields and
cool weather contributing to our decision to sell our Chardonnay grapes
to BRL Hardy and Southcorp as sparkling base-wine material. Bottled recently were our 2001 barrel fermented Chardonnay, which will now rest in the cellar for two years and the 2001 Pinot Noir which will be released at the regional Budburst 2002 Celebration in October. 2000 Quarry Red also went into bottle but with current demand for the wine, will not enjoy much cellar time before release. At cellar door ask to try the re-released 1995 Chardonnay (also at Blakes and Sarragossa restaurants). The wine is seven years old this year but still shows remarkable freshness. Pear and quince flavours dominate the crisp acidity. On a sad note, Monte our thirteen-year old black Labrador was put to
sleep recently after a battle with cancer. Carlo finally gets to rule
the roost! |