News

Amongst the Vines — 2008 Vintage Update

Fantastic conditions greeted this year’s vintage and provided an ideal growing and ripening period. Although Cabernet yields were lower than average the near perfect growing conditions resulted in a greater intensity and richer flavoured fruit. These excellent conditions also contributed to a pest and disease free vintage.

The unseasonal heat wave that struck during March saw fruit ripen very quickly. The issue of fruit distress through dehydration, as a result of the heat wave was effectively managed by Stewy and his vintage team. Having our own harvester and large fermentation space meant that the fruit was not compromised. Stewy’s team are to be commended on their hard working efforts to ensure our fruit was in early to avoid high alcohol or ‘porty” wines.

Our Winemaker Matt Caldersmith introduced some new yeast varieties for inoculating the reds this year. Matt has been encouraged by the success of this introduction which he believes will increase body for tannin profile and palate length.

In total over 600 tonnes was picked this year, equivalent to around 42,000 cases. Encouraging signs are emerging from our recent post vintage tastings. In general, the whites are showing great finesse and flavours, while the reds with their fantastic colour and flavour depth show good balance and complexity. In particular Matt highlights the Cabernet with its great consistency and high quality fruit as one to remember and notes the 2008 Tempranillo as one to definitely watch out for.

Aussie Legend Rocks Hollick Wines

Hollick Wines hosted the 4th annual Hot Summer Night event in their Coonawarra winery on February 17th. Australian rock legend Ross Wilson and his band the Urban Legends rocked a packed Hollick Wines barrel shed as the winery showcased a selection of great local food and wine combined with a classic Australian rock legend. Guests rocked the night away to the classic hits such as Daddy Cool and Come Said the Boy, with Eagle Rock the grand finale.

Simone Crowned Coonawarra’s Dessert Challenge Champion

Simone Burdon was crowned this year’s Great Coonawarra Dessert Challenge Champion. Simone’s Lucindale Blue Cheese Crème Brulee with Blue Cheese Biscuits served with red grapes received the highest combined score in the competition. Celebrity judge, Lifestyle Journalist Winsor Dobbin joined Hollick Winemaker Matt Caldersmith and Upstairs Chef Ian Perry on the judging panel. Before announcing Simone as the winner, Winsor described the winner as a stand out dessert that complemented the Hollick Sparkling Merlot magnificently. Simone’s dessert was creative yet simple and elegant. Simone was crowned this years champion from a total of 16 entries which included some fabulous dishes. The minor placings were awarded to Louise Rose and her Chai Pannacotta with Spiced Plums and Toasted Pistachios and Genny Kidman’s “The Bridesmaid” Merlot and Cabernet Jelly with peeled, seedless grapes garnished with fresh cream and grated dark chocolate.

The team at Hollick Wines are grateful to all participants for their support of the competition and look forward to hosting the Great Coonawarra Dessert Challenge again in 2009.

New Releases

2005 “Hollaia” Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2005 Hollaia delivers sweet dark fruit flavours of plum and black olive with a seriously delightful hint of herbs. The fruit was picked in April 2005 and matured in barrel for a further 18 months allowing the vibrant natural fruit characteristics to shine through. This wine displays an intriguing combination of sweet fruits and savoury nuances. The 2005 Hollaia will pair exceptionally well to any Italian influenced dish. A must to drink now, but cellaring for a few years will further improve its structure.

“Classic Sangiovese structure which has been tamed by ripeness of fruit and refined by purity of Cabernet, without any loss of freshness. Intense and still elegant”.
Jancis Robinson 22/04/2008

2006 Hollick Tempranillo

The 2006 Tempranillo displays great structure and provides immediate drinking pleasure with its fruity flavours of plums, cherries and blackcurrants. Its bright colours and juicy fruit aromas make this delightful drinking. This wine has been matured in French oak to allow the natural fruit characteristics to excel. The 2006 Tempranillo is an excellent partner to a variety of Tapas plates.

Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival

Hollick Wines is pleased to host a collaborative exhibition from Sole Sisters, a group of Limestone Coast entrepreneurs in the graphic design and multi media industry during the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival. The exhibition titled “all art is but an imitation of nature” will grace the walls of Hollick Wines Cellar Door complex throughout the weekend from May 16th to May 18th. The exhibition will be complemented throughout the weekend by a specially designed “Soul Food” menu prepared by Upstairs Chef, Ian Perry. The menu will feature delightful dishes such as Bermuda Fish Chowder and Jamaican Goat Curry.

Date: Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May 2008
Location: Upstairs at Hollick,
Cnr Ravenswood Lane and Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Time: Lunch 12pm to 3pm and
Dinner 6pm to 10pm

Bookings required by contacting Upstairs at Hollick on 08 8737 2752.