As the last of Australia's Cool Climate wine producers rack their reds to barrel for maturation, the dust of another vintage finally starts to settle. And what an extraordinary year it has been for Australian Winemakers. The Hunter Valley, generally the first region to start processing, was devastated by massive amounts of rain, and exceptionally cool summer conditions. While the Semillons, Verdelhos and Chardonnays are looking fantastic, many producers (WVE included) did not pick any reds.

The Lovedale Long Lunch was held over the 17th and 18th of May. Now in it’s 15th year, the event attracted upwards of 15,000 visitors. Wandin Valley was the venue of choice for many, particularly on the Saturday, where at times an ocean of people could be viewed across the Cricket Ground. Entertainment was courtesy of Fish Fry, the Kirrawee High Jazz Band, and the Jazz Syndicate, from Sydney. Bel Posto served two fantastic main meal options:  Salt and Pepper Squid with Jasmine Rice and Beef Slow Braised in red wine with roasted Kumera.

Six 2007 Pavilion Rose & six 2003 Riley's Cabernet for only $190, save $110.

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The Hunter Valley is just coming out of what has been labelled by some as the most difficult vintage since 1971. From January to March this year, we received some 344mm of rain. This is around 35% more rainfall than average. The rain, in combination with exceptionally low summer temperatures (5 degrees below the average), meant that the vines were unable to defend themselves against powdery / downy mildew, and botrytis.

Due to the traumatic vintage conditions we were forced to cancel this year’s Pick, Stomp & Munch. However, the winemakers put their heads together and came up with a new exercise, Sit, Sip & Eat. The day started with a blending exercise in the morning to determine the final make-up of the 2007 Member's Block Ruby Cabernet, followed by a judging competition. We originally planned for this to be a friendly exercise but when push came to shove and bragging rights were at stake, we had a fierce competition on our hands.

Congratulations Terry and Lyndon Taylor! The December winners of the Search for the Greatest Cork Club Cook competition.

This recipe was a runner up in our September newsletter; it was impossible to go past it with the weather warming up! It would make a great addition to any summer lunch or dinner. The suggested wine match is a bottle of our 2007 Verdelho or the very scarce 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula. The lucky winners will receive an additional 2 nights mid week accommodation in Winery Cottage and a six pack of 2007 Verdelho. Well done!