Firstly, a big happy New Year from the Kennedy Family. We were able to take a small break over the festive season and we hope you were able to do the same. Somehow it's late January, which means we're busy in the vineyard monitoring the grapes as they come close to maturity.
The weather was kind in early spring with a nice run of gentle, warm days resulting in good flowering and a sound fruit set. The recent spell of hot weather throughout Central Victoria has been a challenge for many grape growers, especially following a dry winter and spring. Fortunately for the Heathcote region, we had several good downpours of rain throughout December to keep the vines fresh throughout their major growth phase.
Thankfully, we also have access to a reliable water source and can give the vines regular, small waterings keeping the deep, rocky top-soils moist and the canopies healthy. This allows the vines to ripen the grapes fully and protects the berries from sunburn. Our vines are carrying an average to slightly above average yield this year and bunches have formed full and tight. To date we are really happy with the quality of the fruit.
With a bit of luck we will have stable weather until vintage. We have our fingers crossed.
Sincerely
The Kennedys
This year you will see our 2011 Shiraz, 2012 Sangiovese, our Flagship Reserve 2012 Cambria Shiraz, Half bottles of our 2014 Shiraz and our 2015 Pink Hills Rose.
Two things in particular; we are excited for you to taste are our 2015 Pink Hills Rose and the 2012 Cambria Shiraz. The 2015 Rose made from our Estate grown Mataro grapes has produced our most stunning fruitful Rose to date. Also our 2012 Cambria Shiraz made using specially selected parcels of fruit is a beautiful, fruit driven, well balanced wine, which you can enjoy now or over at least the next 5 years.
Get excited, we believe this is our best range yet.
]]>Once the picking was completed the vines were rewarded with thorough watering and a little fertiliser to be ready for the next vintage. 2013 will produce some stunning wines.
Vintage 2014 . This vintage commenced with cold weather. During pruning heavy frosts greeted the pruners daily when they began work at 7:30am. Pruning was over very quickly this year mainly because of a bigger team, but also because of some very skilled pruners. Bud burst was slightly uneven because of the cold weather in September and October, which even produced two late frosts. These frosts caused damage to some vineyards in the area; however no damage was seen at the Kennedy vineyard.
The season is ticking along nicely now, the vines are healthy and fruit set is good. Foliage wires have been lifted, mid rows slashed, winemakers have had their first visit and Christmas is around the corner. The vineyard is all set for a great 2014 vintage.
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