Vintage 2008

Well, what an end to Summer!! Mt Jagged vineyard had essentially perfect growing conditions for the start and middle of the season, with little rain prior to flowering and then touches more before Christmas and it wasn't too hot either. Then came the one in three thousand year heat wave in early March with 16 days of 35 degrees Celsius or above! Once again, Mt Jagged has been blessed with their own natural spring fed water supply that enabled us to irrigate the vines so they didn't get too stressed during this period.

During the heat wave the vines did suffer a little, mainly in the Shiraz block that had a little more than usual leaf drop and there was some early on set of shriveling, but thanks to the fact that we are elevated, close to the sea, on a South facing side of the hills and the sea breezes came in daily, everything that has challenged other areas this year we were able to minimized and the grapes recovered with the cooler temperatures at the vineyard. We were still a couple of weeks early with our harvest but flavours are great in all three reds (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz) the Semillon luckily didn't get negatively affected by the heat due to great canopy management and increase irrigation. The Chardonnay for the Le Blanc luckily was picked just before the heat wave and looks perfect.

There's going to be a couple of NEW products later this year with Mt Jagged introducing a "Reserve 2006 Sparkling Shiraz" plus a "Reserve Noble Semillon" both will only be in limited amounts and everyone on the mailing list (Wine Club then the rest of the mailing list) will be notified as soon as the release date is set.

For access to the Mt Jagged Wine Club follow the link to the Wine Club page, Wine Club,download the form and fax it back to 08 8554 9520 or email it cellardoor@mtjaggedwines.com.au and we will put you on the list. All new list members go into a draw to win a mixed case of Mt Jagged wine delivered to your door (Australia only).

Cheers

Tom White