This year, the Eden Valley region experienced a wet and cool summer, shaping a growing season that tested our mettle and rewarded us with exceptional quality wines. With meticulous care and a dash of tenacity, our team navigated the challenges Mother Nature presented, ultimately producing wines that reflect the essence of our vineyard. Join us as we delve into the nuances of this memorable vintage.
A Delayed Start and a Bountiful Harvest
The 2023 vintage commenced later than usual, with the first harvest taking place on March 22nd. Unfolding over the course of five to six weeks, this vintage encapsulated the allure of a cooler and wetter growing season, punctuated by abundant canopy growth. While the lower temperatures extended the ripening period, our vineyard thrived under the added moisture. We are pleased to report that our yields met our expectations.
Reds and Whites Shine
The 2023 vintage showcased the exceptional potential of our vineyard, particularly for red and white varietals.
Our whites, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and our prized 1896 Mackenzie William Riesling, sourced from vines with a remarkable 127-year history, were among the first to be harvested. Picked in the dark hours of early morning, these grapes reached our tanks by nightfall, ensuring optimal freshness and flavour.
The reds followed suit, their time in the spotlight arriving just over a week later. The picking schedule was carefully planned to capture ripe, high-quality fruit, allowing us to crush by the first week of April. Day-picking commenced, starting at 9 am and concluding at 4 pm, as our team expertly harvested the red varietals with care and precision.
A Triumph in the New Winery
Beyond the vineyard, this vintage held a significant milestone for Brockenchack – the inaugural crush in our state-of-the-art winery. With all hands-on deck, our winemakers initiate a meticulous process, carefully nurturing the crushed fruit as it embarks on its transformative journey. This artful craftsmanship paves the way for the creation of wines that embody the exquisite quality for which we are renowned. This journey from harvest to bottling spanned nearly three months for our whites and rosé including two weeks devoted to bottling, ensuring the essence of the 2023 vintage was preserved. But, for our reds, this journey will be a little longer as they develop their characteristics and complexity in French oak barrels spanning a 12 –24-month period.
As the curtain falls on another remarkable vintage, we raise our glasses in celebration of an exceptional year and commend the unwavering dedication and expertise that helped us overcome the season’s challenges. The wines born from this harvest embody the harmonious interplay of nature’s offerings and human artistry. We eagerly anticipate the moment when you unwind with a bottle of our 2023 vintage, allowing its flavours to dance on your palate and transport you to the vibrant terroir of the Eden Valley. Sip, savour, and revel in the result of a year’s labour – a testament to perseverance, quality, and the art of winemaking.
Cheers to the 2023 vintage!