'Off the Press' Winter 2016 online edition

OFF THE

PRESS WINTER 2016 ISSUE 73

THE

BRIAR HAT TRICK VINEYARD UPDATE WINTER CLUB PACK WINES UPCOMING EVENTS AND MORE...

www.briarridge.com.au

Hello AND WELCOME

TO THE WINTER OFF THE PRESS EDITION! The days are shorter now, the mornings crisp, and we’ve already seen “Jack Frost” lingering across the valley floor.

Although the air is fresh, there’s still plenty of sunshine here in the Hunter, making it a beautiful time to visit Briar Ridge.

Our signature wines have shaped up well for the 2016 vintage with the Dairy Hill Semillon, Rosé and Verdelho just bottled - and looking fantastic! These wines have continuously been some of our highest rated wines with great expectations for upcoming awards.

This Club Pack introduces you to the 2016 white wines with the Dairy Hill Semillon and the Verdelho being showcased in the mixed and white winemakers’ selections. They’re approachable now, with the Dairy Hill Semillon also having the advantage of being cellared for up to 20 years; when its fresh zesty citrus characteristics will have matured into soft citrusy honey like characters across the palate. The 2015 Dam Verdelho sold out much earlier than expected (4 months!) thanks to its Trophy for the best Verdelho at the 2015 Hunter Valley Wine Show. We are excited to be showcasing the 2016 Dam Verdelho exclusively to Vintage Club members in this Club Pack.

So aside from gazing out over our stunning views and enjoying the winter sun as it casts its warmth across the verandah, it’s a great time to visit the Cellar Door and enjoy some of our newly released vintages such as the 2014 Cold Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Rosé and Verdelho, along with many more of the Briar Ridge wines we have all come to love and enjoy!

OFF THE PRESS | WINTER 2016 | ISSUE 73 WELCOME

In other news, Gwyn Olsen, our highly acclaimed Head Winemaker, has just returned from a European and North America adventure - where she relished in a month of downtime after yet another very busy and successful harvest.

We’re looking forward to catching up over the coming weeks and hearing all the tales of her adventure along with her inspiration and knowledge that she has gained whilst visiting the European and North American wine regions.

Our Assistant Winemaker, Andrew Ling, has just finished his first vintage with Briar Ridge and has proved to be a great addition to the team.

We have some great events coming up that we are really looking forward to. The celebratory luncheon with Karl Stockhausen this month will commemorate the remarkable work that Karl has done with Briar Ridge over the past 25 years. Time flies as this “Hall of Fame” Winemaker is also celebrating his 86th birthday this year, what a Legend!

In September we are looking forward to Budfest at the Briar Ridge Cellar Door, and in November all aboard the Sydney Harbour cruise as we welcome in the festive season and watch the sunset across the harbour with a few new releases in hand.

For now though it’s time to pour a glass of your favourite Briar Ridge wine, sit back, read on and relax…

Cheers, The Briar Ridge Team

O

2

WHY

The 2014 Hunter Valley vintage was something pretty special with many viticulturists and winemakers calling it the best in years, and some publicly declaring it to be the best since 1965.

With all the hype around 2014 Hunter Valley reds Briar Ridge has experienced a larger than usual demand for 2014 wines. Three standouts include the 2014 Karl Stockhausen Signature Shiraz, 2014 H.R.B Single Vineyard Shiraz Pinot Noir and finally the iconic 2014 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz.

14

ALL THE

FUSS?

The 2014 vintage was one of the earliest on record for most grapegrowers in the Hunter. It was an exciting year with optimal dry conditions right up to the end of harvest. For the first time in years the fruit was picked based on flavour ripeness and not because of the threat of rain! Vintage was both stress and trouble-free with the end results producing good tonnage and grapes with excellent varietal fruit flavour. This year is shaping up to be one of great, classic Hunter Valley vintages.

2014 Karl Stockhausen Signature Shiraz This Stockhausen Shiraz is a blend of two different blocks from the Mount View Vineyard – the Dairy Hill block and the Red Hill block, which sit on slopes facing each other either side of the vineyard. The blocks were picked at optimal ripeness and destemmed into open fermenters in the winery. Both blocks were fermented with specific yeast strains to promote fruit flavour and vineyard block expression. Once fermentation had finished, the blocks were racked off yeast and malolactic lees to large format French oak with around 35% new oak filled. The wine remained in oak for 18 months before the individual barrels were selected and the wine blended into tank. Light fining and filtration took place before the wines were bottled.

2014 H.R.B Single Vineyard Shiraz Pinot Noir The Shiraz (62%) for this blend has been sourced from our premium Dairy Hill block which provides concentrated, classic medium body Hunter Shiraz. The Pinot Noir (38%) is the MV6 clone planted at the base of the Dairy Hill. The nose is perfumed floral notes of cassis and dark cherry notes. The palate is a finely balanced blend of dark cherry, cassis and spice notes. Elegant, medium bodied with silky tannins and a fine boned acid structure, this wine is made to intrigue and delight.

2014 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz This is an intensely perfumed wine with notes of violets, blackcurrants and dark spice notes. The palate displays the classic Hunter Valley Shiraz style of medium bodied dark fruit notes of plum, black fruits with hints of clove and aniseed. The fine tannins provide a silky mid palate structure with the classic Dairy Hill acidity providing great length.

OFF THE PRESS | WINTER 2016 | ISSUE 73 2014 REDS

VINEYARD UPDATE Winter in the Hunter Valley brings about cold nights and frosty mornings with warm sunny days, the grape vines are now dormant and the vineyard team have been busy pruning all the vines. Pruning started later this year as the unusually warm Autumn delayed the grape vines going into dormancy.

Pruning is the most important time in the vineyard, as how we prune a vine determines the amount of fruit that the vine will produce once it begins to grow in spring - for every bud that is left on the vine it has the potential to produce two bunches of grapes!

FROM BELINDA KELLY

There are two types of pruning, spur pruning and cane pruning but with both types we leave no more then 20 buds per vine. This ensures we have no more then 40 bunches of grapes per vine.

Our aim at Briar Ridge is to produce high quality fruit, to achieve this we need to control our cropping levels so we find that our vines produce great fruit at around 2-3 tonnes per acre.

Keeping the tonnage down also helps the vine to ripen evenly and quicker, which can be very important especially in the case of a wet vintage were we need to get the fruit off the vine quickly.

Once the vines are pruned and tied down to the cordon wire they are then ready for bud burst which should be in late August.

Cheers, Belinda

Photo: Late August 2015 - The results of Winter pruning in the Vineyard

WINERY REPORT The 2016 Vintage will be remembered for relentless rain from mid-December until mid-January, coupled with sporadic hail storms throughout the Hunter Valley.

Our vineyard at Mount View in the Hunter Valley miraculously dodged all these hail storms and managed to survive the wet conditions with no berry splitting or bunch rot.

FROM ANDREW LING

large format oak batches which is made up of a mixture of new and older oak.

Overall the harvest was above average in quality. The winery team look forward to hand crafting the remainder of these wines in the near future.

Happy drinking! Andrew

All of our whites from the Hunter display a great depth of flavour and balance, Semillon and Verdelho in particular are of above average quality, a spike in temperature in February enabled this to happen through some last minute ripening.

Our 2016 Dairy Hill Semillon and Varietal Verdelho have been bottled and are currently looking fantastic! Chardonnay from the Hunter was also very well received in the winery producing fresh white peach and nectarine characters. All batches are currently maturing on light lees in large format new and older oak.

Surprisingly our reds held on throughout these testing weather events and are off a similar quality to the whites producing a great deal of fruit purity and depth of flavours across all varieties, all are currently maturing in a mixture of small and

Andrew foot stomping 2016 Petit Verdot

UPCOMING EventS

SEPTEMBER Budfest at Briar

SUNDAY 18TH September 2016 BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD

If you missed out last year you definitely don’t want to miss this one. We are inviting all members and friends to come and celebrate Spring and budburst on the vines. It is such a great way to celebrate the start of the season and to prove you can still enjoy a glass of wine without too much fuss. There will be a wide selection of food available, along with live entertainment and games that will get you on your feet.

Budfest is a day to welcome the warmer months and the vintage ahead, in true Briar style.

NOVEMBER

Sydney Harbour Cruise Saturday 5th November 2016 aboard Commissioner II

For bookings and enquiries for the above event, please contact us on 02 4990 3670 or by email: vintageclub@briarridge.com.au

Have you booked your tickets aboard the Commissioner II? Why not invite a few of your family and friends to come along also. We set sail aboard the prestigious Commissioner II Motor Yacht on Saturday 5th November. Enjoy a few Briar Ridge new release wines along with some of our museum vintages accompanied by substantial canapés, whilst we watch the sunset and Sydney’s nightlife light up across the harbour.

What a perfect way to bring in the festive season and enjoy an early summer’s evening!

Tickets $120 per person, including substantial canapés and Briar Ridge wines.

WINTER

PROMOTION The May 2014 Big Bully campaign was a hit with our members and we are continuing this special until 31st August, 2016. Vintage Club members can receive 6 bottles of 2014 Big Bully Cabernet Sauvignon for the special price of $140, or for 12 bottles $280. You can purchase and collect from the Cellar Door or Online with just $12 freight anywhere in Australia.

Sign a family member, friend or work colleague up to the Vintage Club between July and September and receive a bottle of Briar Ridge Wine from the varietal range. *Limit 3 bottles per member. New member must quote your first and last name. Offer valid only from July to September, 2016.

Weddings

at Briar Ridge Briar Ridge Vineyard provides an idyllic setting for an intimate wedding. The vineyards and carefully landscaped gardens offer a stunning backdrop that is unparalleled. We can cater for up to 80 guests for a seated function, and 120 people for a cocktail event. All our weddings include a menu which is carefully prepared by the region’s best chefs, along with our award winning wines to be enjoyed on the evening. We look forward to making a couple’s dream wedding a reality.

WINTER CLUB

PACK WINES 1

2015 Fumé

A barrel fermented blend Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc that is rich, complex and textural in style. The Semillon provides the citrus backbone with richness and flavour from lees contact, whilst the Sauvignon Blanc has subtle fruit on the palette but maintains a fresh vibrancy on the finish.

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2016 The Dam Verdelho

This Verdelho is made to be packed full of flavour to be enjoyed as soon as you can get your hands on some! It was made to highlight the primary fruit characters of guava, melon and hints of mandarin. These primary fruit flavours unite seamlessly on the finely balanced palate with the wines natural acidity resulting in a very fresh and lively wine.

3

2014 Karl Stockhausen Semillon

This Semillon comes off the flat block of our (hilly) vineyard. As per discussion with Karl Stockhausen this wine is packed full flavour and fruit weight.

The nose is perfumed lemon blossom leading to a rich lemon curd palate.

This Semillon is crafted to drink now whilst young or for cellaring in the medium term.

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The palate is subtle with notes of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

Fine porcelain like acidity provides the framework and drive for the elegant palate of lemon blossom, lime cordial notes and a touch of lemongrass.

Intended to be a pure expression of the vineyard and made to last, this wine displays tight acidity, zesty freshness and a persistent finish.

5

2015 The Squire Chardonnay

This traditional style of Hunter Valley Chardonnay is rich an opulent packed with notes of peach and melon. Subtle influence of oak provides structure and spice notes, with a natural nectarine like acidity adding a vibrant line.

6

2014 Members Blend

The Cabernet provides structure and complexity, the Shiraz fills the palate with rich plums and spice, whilst the Merlot integrates the flavours and leaves an intense yet elegant finish.

7

2014 Old Vines Shiraz

The perfumed nose displays delicate notes of white pepper and lifted violet notes leading to a palate of rich, juicy red fruits with bright crunchy acidity.

Fine grained, silky tannins provide great structure and length supported by clove and aniseed oak spice notes.

OFF THE PRESS | WINTER 2016 | ISSUE 73 WINTER CLUB PACK WINES

2016 Dairy Hill Semillon

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2013 Dairy Hill Shiraz

Our Single Vineyard wines are produced in very limited quantities from our unique ‘Dairy Hill’ vineyard block and only when the vintage year has yielded the highest standards of quality fruit.

This wine reveals a lovely intense red fruit palate complemented by savoury and spice characters typical of the region. We mature the wine in the finest French oak barrels which delivers a well-structured and elegant finish with great length.

9

2014 Cold Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is a classic example of Cabernet Sauvignon, deep in colour with lifted aromas of blackberry, cassis and dried herb notes. The palate is layered with dark berry fruit and balanced with fine grained tannins and a subtle oak influence.

10

2015 Early Harvest Semillon

Our early harvest Semillon is picked to focus on a crisp, fresh wine style. It is a big fruited wine with lemon and lime notes supported by a tropical spectrum.

This easy drinking Semillon is intended to be enjoyed anytime, especially with a meal from your favourite fish and chip shop.

Eye Fillet

with Asparagus, Sweet Potato Mash and Red Wine Jus (SERVES 4) Ingredients 4 x 150g eye fillet steaks (at room temperature) Olive oil, for brushing Grilled asparagus, to serve Red Wine Jus Ingredients 1 tbs olive oil 1kg ox tail pieces 2 eschallots, chopped 1 carrot, chopped

Method To make jus, heat oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Cook oxtail, eschallots, carrot and celery, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Stir in garlic, wine, stock and herbs. Bring to a boil.

Simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half. Strain and discard solids.

2. Return sauce to a clean pan over medium heat.

Simmer until thickened to form a sauce (jus).

Whisk in butter, a cube at a time, until glossy and incorporated.

1 litre beef stock

3. To make mash, place potatoes in a saucepan of cold salted water. Bring to a boil. Boil until tender.

Drain and allow steam to evaporate. Return to saucepan and mash over lowest heat until smooth and water has evaporated. Add butter, cream and sugar. Season well. Beat with a wooden spoon to combine.

1 bunch rosemary

4. Preheat oven to 180C.

1 bunch thyme

5. Brush steaks with oil and season well with salt and pepper.

1 stick celery, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 500ml red wine (Briar Ridge Petit Verdot is ideal)

25g cold butter, cubed

125ml thickened cream

6. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook steaks until browned all over. Transfer to the oven and cook for about 5 minutes or until 55C in the centre (medium rare). Transfer to a warm plate, lightly covered with foil, to rest for 5 minutes.

Pinch brown sugar

7. Serve steak, mash and asparagus with jus.

Sweet Potato Mash Ingredients 1kg sweet potatoes, peeled, chopped 25g butter, chopped

Match with our 2013 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz

OFF THE PRESS | WINTER 2016 | ISSUE 73 FEATURE RECIPE

OFF THE

PRESS WINTER 2016 ISSUE 73

Join us on September 18, 2016 to celebrate budburst and enjoy a relaxed day out for our annual Budfest at Briar Festival.

Come and celebrate spring and budburst on the vines at Briar Ridge this September. Budfest is a great day way to celebrate the start of the season and to prove you can still enjoy a glass of wine without too much fuss. There will be a wide selection of food available, along with live entertainment and games to get you on your feet.

So, bring along a picnic rug and settle in for an afternoon of great music, our take-away favourites and of course a glass or two of Briar Ridge’s finest.

Visit www.briarridge.com.au for further details.

Contact Us ALEXANDRIA CARRUTHERS

Vintage Club Co-ordinator Briar Ridge Vineyard 593 Mount View Road, Mount View NSW 2325 PO Box 148 Cessnock NSW 2325 Email vintageclub@briarridge.com.au Phone 02 4990 3670 | Fax 02 4990 7802 Open 7 days a week for tasting and sales, 10am - 5pm

www.briarridge.com.au