PRIVATE MEMBERS NEWS AREA
Please introduce yourselves to our 2010 vineyard management team:
Manager: Josh House.
CHECK BACK SOON FOR DETAILS...
Consultant Viticulturist: Tim Quinlan
EDUCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Tim consults to many local vineyards including the following to name a few:
- Edwards Vineyard
- Ridgeview Estate
- Howling Wolves Wines
- Island Brook
- Down to Earth Labour Company
- Clairault Wines
- Virgin Block Wines
- Wolfsburg
- Wildberry Vineyard
- Tassel Park
ARCHIVE
Vintage Summary strata report 2008 - 2009
Margaret River Vineyard Estate completed harvest on the 14th April. Varying quality was seen across the property due to poor climatic conditions in the previous spring and an irrigation system that continually failed. All varieties yielded quite well except for Cabernet Sauvignon that continues to show poor fruit set, this will be discussed in detail below.
The wine industry was and is not immune to the current economical climate, Australian domestic and export wine sales have all but dried up. The major purchaser of wine grapes from MRVE, Flying Fish Cove cancelled all non-binding contracts. Luckily for most new contacts were obtained but at greatly reduced purchase prices.
Yield
With the exception of Cabernet Sauvignon we are approaching what I believe to be acceptable yields.
Chardonnay.
Most Crystal Farms managed Chardonnay from MRVE was sold. Quality was good to exceptional although current market prices do not reflect this. A hindrance to Chardonnay fruit sales is the non-clonal integrity across the property. When wine grape markets tighten up only the highest quality fruit is sold, all Chardonnay blocks across the property are a mixture of clone 3, clone 5 and Mendoza. The perceived highest quality Chardonnay clone is Mendoza. Due to variable clones throughout all Chardonnay blocks premium prices will not be received in the foreseeable future.
Chenin.
Chenin was and will continue to be a difficult variety. The Amberley brand now sources all of there Chenin from non Margaret River regions. This has caused a huge glut of Chenin in the Margaret River region. Future sale prospects are questionable. Individual lot owners should contact me to discuss options.
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Verdelho.
Although average Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc yields were acceptable in my opinion they are still not good enough, Decreased yield in these varieties is mainly attributed to poor flowering climatic conditions and an unusually high population of Looper Caterpillar throughout the region. Quality was variable due to the loss of leaves through excessive water stress, this excessive water stress is directly attributed to a non functional irrigation system.
Shiraz.
Average Shiraz yield has hit target at 7-8 T/Ha. Quality was variable depending on soil type. Individual Shiraz lot owners should contact me to discuss future options.
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon yields continue to be a disappointment. Over the last 2 years I have tried various viticultural techniques to improve Cab Sauv yields without any additional management levy increases. Unfortunately it is my opinion that Cab Sauv vines need restructuring to achieve desired yields. Most Cab Sauv vines are approaching 12 years old with no cordon changes. Current cordons have engulfed the cordon or fruiting wire therefore severely constricting vascular tissue. This constriction of vascular tissue reduces the flow of nutrient carrying sap to young shoots subsequently reducing fruit set and finally yield. Cabernet Sauvignon lot owners should contact me to discuss possible options.
Merlot.
Average Merlot yield has hit target at 6-7 T/Ha. Quality was variable depending on soil type. Individual Merlot lot owners should contact me to discuss future options.
Summary
Frustration has once again dominated the industry with severely reduced fruit markets available. Crystal Farms personnel will continue to do all in their power to achieve desirable yields across all varieties, and to find purchasers for this fruit. Currently it is impossible to determine what the wine grape markets have in store for us in the coming season. It is advisable that all lot owners contact me via email to discuss future prospects.
Yours Sincerely
Mark Pizzuto
BSc Viticulture and Oenology.
About: Mark Pizzuto
Originally dedicated to a career in Mechanical Engineering Mark's vocational history commenced with a trade in Fitting and Turning in the mining industry. Deciding that the world had more in store for him Mark enrolled at the Sydney Institute of Technology and graduated with an Associates Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Mark served several years as Mechanical Project Engineer on various industrial projects throughout the State of New South Wales. After discovering that Western Australia had much to offer a dedicated Mechanical Engineer Mark moved from Sydney to Perth where he became an integral part of various engineering teams working on projects in both the mining and oil and gas industries. Although satisfied with his chosen career path something was lacking in his life, and a holiday to Margaret River highlighted what that was, 'passion'.
After spending time in this beautiful part of the world and being introduced to the pleasures of wine Mark decided that his engineering and beer drinking days were over and the wine industry beckoned.
Mark commenced his viticultural studies at Curtin University enrolling in a Bachelor of Science majoring in Viticulture and Oenology and completed his studies in 2006. Upon completion of his viticulture and oenology degree Mark was awarded dux of viticulture by the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology http://www.asvo.com.au/awards/student/ and was invited to be a member of the Golden Key International Society. During his study Mark has been employed as an assistant winemaker and viticultural manager. After sampling both wine production occupations Mark decided that the viticultural sector was where his future laid. Mark now resides in Margaret River with his wife Sue and son Nathan.
Please introduce yourself to Mark,
Mark can be contacted by email manager@crystalfarms.com.au
Management Agreement
We are in the process of finalising the Viticulture Consultancy and Management Agreement.
We offer owners the opportunity to view and provide their feedback.
A draft copy of the management agreement can be found here. Click to download. Please review and offer any comments to directors@crystalfarms.com.au
|
