a few words from behind the scenes
We had a fantastic Easter weekend here in Mudgee…, the town was really busy and we had lots of friendly visitors to our cellar door.
We’d like to welcome Pennant Hills Golf Club as a new customer. Our first delivery of our ever popular Prosecco is on its way now!
Our local Mudgee Golf Club has been a great customer of ours, and as well as FIRST RIDGE wines, they’re now also stocking our Mudgee Ridge Estate Enzo blend. So if you enjoy a round of golf, why not enjoy our Enzo too!
If you happen to be planning your wedding, you might be interested to know that we can supply the wines for your reception. We’ve now supplied our wines for quite a few happy couples, so feel free to contact us if you are interested in having our wines as part of your memorable celebration.
Graeme - Manager
A word from our Winemaker
Fast and furious, Vintage 2024 began a good 4 weeks earlier than last year and the reds were keeping up with the whites in the ripening stakes. What does all of this look like though? Well, quality is strong across the board and despite the logistical challenges and sleep deprivation, everything is now safely tucked away in the winery and maturing nicely.
The recent cooler weather has been a good opportunity to take a deep dive into the red wine cellar again and revisit some old favourites like the award winning Barbera and always delicious Montepulciano. Anyway, a little bit of respite before the task of getting the fresh and aromatic whites into bottles as well as some of last year’s reds that are looking polished and ready for your table.
No rest for the wicked!
Cheers,
James Manners - Wine Maker
Viticulture Report - News From Among The Vines
This year’s vintage has seen a change compared to the last two, with dryer conditions reducing early-season pest and disease pressure. Regular fungicide, nutrition and irrigation programs ensured that vines maintained good health throughout the season, despite ongoing warm temperatures.
Harvest crept up extremely fast, beginning approximately three and half weeks earlier than normal with the Prosecco on the 18th of January. Whilst yields were down roughly 18% across all varieties, the quality of fruit was very high. Harvest wrapped up on the 29th of February with the Montepulciano. This later variety was a standout this vintage, producing fruit of exceptional quality. The 2024 Montepulciano will be one to keep an eye out for in my opinion.
Post-harvest care has been in full swing this month with foliar sprays, irrigation and fertigation being applied. All blocks are retaining leaf and vines and have recovered well from the harvest. Even though the grapes have been cleared, it’s important that vine and foliage health are maintained for as long as possible, so that vines can stock up in resources prior to leaf fall and Winter. This ensures the best start to the fast approaching 2024-25 Vintage. Bud viability testing and soil tests are currently being taken and once results are received, we’ll be able to put in place a targeted pruning and nutrition program. At this stage we expect pruning to commence in June.
Paul Baguley - Viticulturist
VIEW FROM THE CELLAR DOOR
Harvest time, always the busiest and most stressful time of year, commands our utmost attention and dedication. Yet, amidst the heatwaves and the rain showers, our team working tirelessly to ensure the fruits of our labour were safely gathered.
So, after another exhilarating harvest season, our cellar door remains open so you can share the delights of previous frenzies. After a very busy Easter weekend with a usual steady stream of avid First Ridge fans and those new to our cellar door, things are now settling down to a more sedate pace.
Our 2021 Sangiovese has gracefully bid arrivederci, but fear not – the 2022 vintage awaits with the same, if not better tantalising flavours that our Sangiovese is known for. For our Montepulciano enthusiasts, you better act fast as this cellar door favourite is dwindling in stock, so seize the opportunity to savour its exquisite taste before it’s too late!
See you at the Cellar Door!
Oliver & The Team
2024 Autumn Specials
AUTUMN PICNIC PACK
$150 + Freight
1 X 2023 PROSECCO
1 X 2022 SANGIOVESE FRIZZANTE
1 X 2023 FIANO
1 X 2022 ROSÉ
2 X 2022 SANGIOVESE
AUTUMN REDS 6 PACK
$180 + Freight
3 X 2022 SANGIOVESE
2 X 2022 MARCO BLEND (Pre-release)
1 X 2021 BARBERA
AUTUMN WHITES 6 PACK
$150 + Freight
1 X 2023 PROSECCO
1 X 2022 VERMENTINO FRIZZANTE
2 X 2023 PINOT GRIGIO
1 X 2023 VERMENTINO (Pre-release)
1 X 2023 FIANO