The 2009 Edition of James Halliday’s internationally acclaimed “Wine Bible” is on sale. Wandin Valley maintained its excellent 4 ½ star winery rating. In addition, the 2005 Bridie’s Reserve Shiraz was awarded 94 points – the highest scoring wine we have produced thus far!

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.

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.

Since the last weekend in November, we have had no less than 225mm of rainfall. When I look back at earlier Cork Club newsletters in which I nervously describe the vulnerability of our vineyard to drought, and the critical lack of water that has characterised our last few vintages, it is quite extraordinary to consider how things can change so rapidly. The abundance of spring rainfall has led to tremendous growth in the vineyard canopies, and very healthy looking vines. The dams overflow every time it rains, and we haven’t even thought about irrigation. The birds are chirping, and the kangaroos and breeding like mad, in fact the grounds are so lush the property looks like it belongs somewhere in New Zealand…