The Ashbrook Estate Riesling, due to a colder than normal Spring, fruit set was adversely affected. Bunch numbers were in line with the previous vintage however bunch weights were well down. White tonnages were down by up to 50% and reds up to 40% down.
The mild maritime climate of Margaret River allows Riesling to express more floral characteristics and greater palate intensity than seen in cooler regions. Rieslings from Margaret River produced the region’s first trophy and gold medal. Ashbrook Rieslings are made mainly from free run juice.
No heatwaves were experienced during the ripening period and warm sunshine and cool nights prevailed for the most part. This, coupled with smaller crops resulted in intensely flavoured and attractive wines. 50ml of rainfall after the white harvest in early March delayed the picking of the red grapes. This freshened up the red grapes and no deleterious effects were noticed in quality. Most red grapes were harvested before Easter and were in excellent condition. All in all, vintage 2015 in Margaret River will be remembered again for wines of outstanding quality albeit in lesser quantities.
In the mid 1980’s a small block of Riesling vines was planted on a north facing slope of a valley intensely protected by natural bush on both the Southern and Western sides. The gentle maritime climate provides excellent growing conditions for this delicate variety and the site is perfectly protected from late spring storms and strong winds which can upset flowering and fruit set. Cane pruned and arched to force even bud burst, all fruit is handpicked and hand pruned. Composted mulch has been spread throughout the vineyard since 2007 producing exceptional health and balance.
Riesling is all about purity & this is one of the most unique in Australia. A pristinely clear rim, bright straw in colour with hues of green. Made purely from free run juice, this elegant yet full flavoured wine has an abundance of floral character on the nose and palate balanced by zesty citrus flavor and crisp clean mineral acidity. The complexity and structure of this Riesling ensures terrific cellaring potential.
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