Off the Press - Autumn 2022 Edition 90

Off the

Press Our 2021 Stockhausen Release & History of Karl Stockhausen Vintage Update | New Osteria | 2022 Member Events AUTUMN EDITION

#90

Karl Stockhausen Winemaker from 1991 - 2013 & Brand Custodian

THE STORY OF

Alex Beckett Head Winemaker

STOCKHAUSEN

The History The Hunter Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia, and as such Briar Ridge Vineyard has inherited a rich winemaking tradition that we try to honour with each vintage. Of our wines, there is one range in particular that expresses this heritage: the Stockhausen wines.

For over thirty years, these wines have embodied the classic, regional character of the Hunter and exemplifies Briar Ridge Vineyard’s signature style. The Stockhausen series was named and crafted tribute to legendary Hunter winemaker, Karl Stockhausen, and honours both his invaluable contribution to the success of Briar Ridge but also the success of the Hunter Valley wine industry.

We’re thrilled with how the newest release of 2021 wines has come together. Despite an unusually cool, wet season, a break of classic warm days and cool nights in early January led to exceptional flavour development and natural acidity retention, resulting in a traditionally crisp Hunter Semillon and a lively, flavourful Chardonnay. More moderate weather for the remainder of the growing season yielded a classic elegant Shiraz, with great aromatic lift and cellaring potential.

With the latest release of Stockhausen wines, we also found ourselves reflecting on where we’ve come from and how we’ve grown, as well as celebrating the continued development and calibre of these wines. They hold a place near to our hearts, and we know that Briar Ridge Vineyard wouldn’t be what it is today without the influence of Karl Stockhausen.

Who is Karl Stockhausen?

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Karl came to Australia in 1955. He was sent to the old Greta Migrant Camp in the Hunter Valley, where he found work as a vineyard and cellar hand at Lindeman’s Ben Ean winery and ‘stumbled into winemaking’ – and we’re so glad he did!

Under the tutelage of Lindeman’s Ray Kidd, Karl honed his skills as a winemaker and went on to build a successful career in the Hunter, eventually becoming one of the most awarded winemakers in Australia.

It was in 1991 that he joined Briar Ridge Vineyard, initially as a manager-winemaker and then as a consultant to the winemaking team, with whom he has collaborated in crafting the Briar Ridge Stockhausen Signature Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz wines. Thirty years on, Karl’s philosophy remains front of mind for Winemaker, Alex Beckett, when selecting the best parcels of fruit for these iconic wines.

Karl’s impact in the industry was recognised in 2007, when he was named a ‘Hunter Valley Living Legend’ by his colleagues, an honour bestowed on those who have given many years of outstanding service to the advancement of the Hunter Valley.

And there’s no question he’s done that.

New Vintages. New Look.

With the latest release of Stockhausen wines, we’ve chosen to honour Karl with a new label as a testament to his vital contributions to Briar Ridge Vineyard.

Instead of our traditional logo and cream background, we’ve designed a striking blackand-gold label featuring a portrait of Karl to launch the 2021 wines. The image comes from a series of photographs taken of the Hunter Valley legends taken by Chris Elfes.

The photograph was awarded a silver distinction by the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photographers) for the portrait category and was one of the final five images selected for at the Australian Photography Awards Portrait of the Year.

Meet our three newbies!

2021 Stockhausen Semillon A perfect wine for lovers of classic full-flavoured Hunter Semillon; lemon blossom bouquet on this stunning example compliments the refined and lingering lime infused palate.

A refreshingly textured white.

Members

$28 (RRP $35)

2021 Stockhausen Chardonnay A Chardonnay drinker’s ‘heaven-in-a-bottle’.

Judicious barrel contact provides toasty, spicy oak and cashew flavours which are balanced by citrus blossom and white peach.

Members

$28 (RRP $35)

2021 Stockhausen Shiraz Made in the traditional Hunter Valley style.

Concentrated wild red berry fruits are highligted which are framed by super fine tannin leading into a long linear finish.

Members

$32

(RRP $40)

G’day Friends, This year, 2022, will likely be considered another classically challenging Hunter Valley vintage.

The declining La Nina influence has made its impact with higher than normal rainfall, humidity and cloud cover bringing with it increased disease risks in the vineyard.

As a preventative measure, the team & I were out in the vineyard in December reducing the crop levels and leaf plucking to create more airflow and sunlight penetration around the bunches.

Judging by the quality of the white grapes so far, this extra work & volume reduction has paid tremendous dividends. I can’t wait for you all to taste the extremely high-quality Chardonnay and Semillon wines to come.

With the reds not far away, our fingers are crossed for continued kind weather.

Vintage Report

Meanwhile in the Winery, when we are not busy crushing and pressing grapes, we have been putting together and bottling the new vintages of our; Limited Release Big Bully Cabernet Sauvignon, Varietal Tempranillo Shiraz and (as per the instructions from Colleen, Ian, Wendy and Gary who make up the winning team D’Vine D’Vine, from our Member’s Blending Session in 2021) the Limited Release Members Blend.

There is also a new under embargo wine that is being hand bottled in the next few weeks. Both the team and I are so excited to release this in 14 months’ time!

You will be the first to know!

I hope you enjoy your recently delivered wines and I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible at our now sold out Stockhausen Long Lunch at Woolloomooloo Wharf in late March!

Alex Beckett | Head Winemaker

CLUB RADICA Coming Summer 2022

Introducing a new wine club by Briar Ridge Vineyard.

One where you have access to our most limited, small batch and single vineyard wines, invites to intimate Winemaker dinners and exclusive Club Radica only experiences.

Club Radica, the new ‘inner circle’ at Briar Ridge Vineyard.

Express your interest by adding yourself to our ‘inner circle’ wait list.

Email - vintageclub@briarridge.com.au

Osteria: (Italian) A place serving simple food and wine.

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! Join us for brunch, a light lunch or even a picnic in our new space, Osteria. Serving home-made noshes, exquisite platters, coffee and wine.

Osteria will satisfy all your cravings.

Operating Hours: 11am to 4pm Thursday to Monday

M

ember Events Calendar 2022

STOCKHAUSEN LONG LUNCH

MARCH, 2022 SOLD OUT MANTA RESTAURANT, WOOLLOOMOOLOO WHARF

ANNUAL MEMBERS BLENDING SESSION AUGUST, 2022 - DATE TBC BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD, HUNTER VALLEY

BUDBURST SPRING RELEASE DINNER SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2022 PRE-SALE WAIT LIST OPEN THE ATRIUM, THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA

50 YEARS OF BRIAR RIDGE JUBILEE SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 2022 PRE-SALE WAIT LIST OPEN BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD, HUNTER VALLEY