wirra wirra vineyards | bell ringer newsletter | november 2014

8
might tell you on a Sunday morning, Aussies aren’t really drinking much more wine than they did a decade ago. (Maybe we should exclude Bell Ringers from this study?). Basically, the local market has been prey flat for some time, with much of the growth coming from – eek – NZ Sauvignon Blanc. To sustain the hard-working growers and enterprising winemakers around the country, we need growth – and what we need will only come from overseas, the local scene is prey mature. So while a south facing currency and FTAs are nice, what we really seek is marketing investment across the globe to drive demand for our wines. We are not the cool kid on the block that we were 15- 20 years ago. That’s despite the fact that the quality and variety of our premium wines continues to go from strength to strength. It’s not a winemaking problem – it’s an image problem. We don’t suffer from Jeremy Clarkson syndrome or anything like that – ie. half the people like us and half of them hate us; we’re more in the Tom Hanks mode. It’s not a winemaking problem – it’s an image problem. We don’t suffer from Jeremy Clarkson syndrome or anything like that – ie. half the people like us and half of them hate us; we’re more in the Tom Hanks mode. We were huge a decade or so ago, still have a large fan base, and while no-one really has anything against us, they’re not exactly waiting with baited breath for our next creation either. To turn that around (wine’s fortunes, not Tom Hanks – hey, we’re not miracle workers) we need to re-build our presence offshore and here’s where I see the currency drop and FTAs playing a part. They’ve created a crack in the vinous veneer (no idea what that means) that lets the light in and offers hope and encouragement to Aussie winemakers that they can make a buck in the export world again. That should be enough to get them back on planes, aending wine fairs, pounding the pavements and generally making a nuisance of themselves in other peoples’ backyards like they did all those years ago. That groundswell of activity will help build momentum and remind the wine “You guys must be really happy with the currency drop and the new FTAs with China and Korea?” That’s a statement/question/ accusation (I’m never sure whether they’re telling or asking) that has been lobbed my way more than most over the past few months. “Sure. It’s all good, but an FTA never sold a bole of wine,” comes my smug, conversation-killing reply. It’s not that I can’t see the benefits. For the past decade, we have been baling export markets with one hand tied behind our collective backs. Competing against countries like Chile who have much lower cost structures (labour, water, utilities) AND a Free Trade Agreement seemingly in every market they enter. At the same time, our currency headed north faster than a washed up Neighbours character, so that’s actually meant we’ve had BOTH hands tied behind our backs. To compound this, the countries like Chile who’ve had a free kick in other areas, have also had their governments invest millions of dollars (pesos?) behind their export drive, as much as 10+ times what we have enjoyed from our friends in Canberra. In a sense we’ve been fighting with both hands tied behind our back and a leg missing. If you are picturing the Australian wine community resembling the dissected knight from Monty Python’s Holy Grail then you’re geing close. Before you break out the violins, it’s not your sympathy I seek. (But your money would be nice! See the insert for our Special Offers!!). That was tasteless and obviously in jest. Although the Vintage Value Dozen offer is an absolute cracker… What I’m saying is that this ship will need a bit more than just these two boosters to turn itself around. As a winery that sells around 85% of all its wine at home (blessed be the Bell Ringers), why should Wirra Wirra care about the export landscape? Well, on a selfish note, we do sell wine to over 20 countries around the world, but in the bigger scheme of things, the Australian wine community needs exports to survive. Despite what your throbbing skull world of what we have to offer and that it’s time to give us another look. What role can Bell Ringers play in all this? Well, keep supporting your local wineries for a start. Seek out and try something new and different. Keep the home fires burning, as a strong domestic market is the best platform to take on our competitors around the world. And if you have the ear of your local pollie, maybe remind them of what the wine community brings to our regional centres. Over 16,000 are employed directly in working around wine, that’s before you add in the suppliers, service providers and associated industries such as food, tourism and accommodation. So back to the FTA. What does it really mean for the Australian wine community? Free Trade Agreement? Fun Times Ahead? Find The Acronym? Hopefully at least a couple of those. And a falling currency? When the Australian wines were the darlings of the USA, our currency sat at around 56c! Now when it drops below 80c we give thanks to Obama. It’s a different time and a global economy. What is the reaction from many international wine buyers to a currency devaluation? They demand a price decrease from the Aussie producer! Seriously. So the FTA and currency drop alone won’t be our saviours in the short term, but let’s hope they set the wheels of recovery in motion. Think of them as a bit like your post-work gin and tonic. On their own they won’t get the job done – but they’ll certainly make things a lile easier. I for one will drink to that. hps://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=YfvVslecjwI Cheers, Andrew Kay Head Caretaker April 2015 Pic: One of these does not resemble the Australian wine community m��������������������������Free world

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Page 1: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

might tell you on a Sunday morning, Aussies aren’t really drinking much more wine than they did a decade ago. (Maybe we should exclude Bell Ringers from this study?). Basically, the local market has been pretty flat for some time, with much of the growth coming from – eek – NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

To sustain the hard-working growers and enterprising winemakers around the country, we need growth – and what we need will only come from overseas, the local scene is pretty mature. So while a south facing currency and FTAs are nice, what we really seek is marketing investment across the globe to drive demand for our wines. We are not the cool kid on the block that we were 15-20 years ago. That’s despite the fact that the quality and variety of our premium wines continues to go from strength to strength.

It’s not a winemaking problem – it’s an image problem. We don’t suffer from Jeremy Clarkson syndrome or anything like that – ie. half the people like us and half of them hate us; we’re more in the Tom Hanks mode. It’s not a winemaking problem – it’s an image problem. We don’t suffer from Jeremy Clarkson syndrome or anything like that – ie. half the people like us and half of them hate us; we’re more in the Tom Hanks mode. We were huge a decade or so ago, still have a large fan base, and while no-one really has anything against us, they’re not exactly waiting with baited breath for our next creation either.

To turn that around (wine’s fortunes, not Tom Hanks – hey, we’re not miracle workers) we need to re-build our presence offshore and here’s where I see the currency drop and FTAs playing a part. They’ve created a crack in the vinous veneer (no idea what that means) that lets the light in and offers hope and encouragement to Aussie winemakers that they can make a buck in the export world again. That should be enough to get them back on planes, attending wine fairs, pounding the pavements and generally making a nuisance of themselves in other peoples’ backyards like they did all those years ago. That groundswell of activity will help build momentum and remind the wine

“You guys must be really happy with the currency drop and the new FTAs with China and Korea?” That’s a statement/question/accusation (I’m never sure whether they’re telling or asking) that has been lobbed my way more than most over the past few months.

“Sure. It’s all good, but an FTA never sold a bottle of wine,” comes my smug, conversation-killing reply.

It’s not that I can’t see the benefits. For the past decade, we have been battling export markets with one hand tied behind our collective backs. Competing against countries like Chile who have much lower cost structures (labour, water, utilities) AND a Free Trade Agreement seemingly in every market they enter. At the same time, our currency headed north faster than a washed up Neighbours character, so that’s actually meant we’ve had BOTH hands tied behind our backs. To compound this, the countries like Chile who’ve had a free kick in other areas, have also had their governments invest millions of dollars (pesos?) behind their export drive, as much as 10+ times what we have enjoyed from our friends in Canberra.

In a sense we’ve been fighting with both hands tied behind our back and a leg missing. If you are picturing the Australian wine community resembling the dissected knight from Monty Python’s Holy Grail then you’re getting close.

Before you break out the violins, it’s not your sympathy I seek. (But your money would be nice! See the insert for our Special Offers!!). That was tasteless and obviously in jest. Although the Vintage Value Dozen offer is an absolute cracker… What I’m saying is that this ship will need a bit more than just these two boosters to turn itself around.

As a winery that sells around 85% of all its wine at home (blessed be the Bell Ringers), why should Wirra Wirra care about the export landscape? Well, on a selfish note, we do sell wine to over 20 countries around the world, but in the bigger scheme of things, the Australian wine community needs exports to survive. Despite what your throbbing skull

world of what we have to offer and that it’s time to give us another look.

What role can Bell Ringers play in all this? Well, keep supporting your local wineries for a start. Seek out and try something new and different. Keep the home fires burning, as a strong domestic market is the best platform to take on our competitors around the world. And if you have the ear of your local pollie, maybe remind them of what the wine community brings to our regional centres. Over 16,000 are employed directly in working around wine, that’s before you add in the suppliers, service providers and associated industries such as food, tourism and accommodation.

So back to the FTA. What does it really mean for the Australian wine community? Free Trade Agreement? Fun Times Ahead? Find The Acronym? Hopefully at least a couple of those.

And a falling currency? When the Australian wines were the darlings of the USA, our currency sat at around 56c! Now when it drops below 80c we give thanks to Obama. It’s a different time and a global economy. What is the reaction from many international wine buyers to a currency devaluation? They demand a price decrease from the Aussie producer! Seriously. So the FTA and currency drop alone won’t be our saviours in the short term, but let’s hope they set the wheels of recovery in motion.

Think of them as a bit like your post-work gin and tonic. On their own they won’t get the job done – but they’ll certainly make things a little easier. I for one will drink to that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfvVslecjwI

Cheers, Andrew Kay Head Caretaker

April 2015

Pic: One of these does not resemble the Australian wine community

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Free world

Page 2: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

The resounding message from those Bell Ringers who experienced the revamped Sea and Vines Relish event last year at Wirra Wirra was “Can you book us in again for next year!” Well, brothers and sisters, the time is nigh and we’re singing Hallelujah! The theme for this year’s lunch year is the

“Church Block Sunday Service” and we promise an afternoon that will raise the roof! With food by the award-winning FINO Willunga, soulful harmonies from the very funky Charmaine Jones and the Jones Commentary Choir and of course a stellar selection of Wirra Wirra wines, we are going to shine, Shine, SHINE! That just about exhausts our allocation of exclamation marks (!) so here are the details. Please get in early as seats are strictly limited and this will sell out in a heartbeat. Church Block Sunday Service Sunday 7th June 2015 Four courses plus Wirra Wirra wine $130 per person Wirra Wirra Barrel Hall, McLaren Vale For bookings: www.seaandvines.com.au (We cannot accept bookings through the winery) Of course, for those who want a more casual affair, we will be open on the holiday Monday 8th with Free Entry, live music from The Hi-Rollers and delicious food by Low and Slow and also La Chiva. No bookings required for a wonderful family day from 11am – 5pm.

��������������Sing Hallelujah!

Australia’s

best Cellar doorAWARDS 2015

Wirra WirraBEST LARGE CELLAR DOOR

MCLAREN VALE

We knew it and once again, so does everyone else! Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine has just voted us Best Large Cellar Door in McLaren Vale for the second successive year. A huge pat on the back to our stellar team – from full timers, part timers, old timers (Reg) and casuals – you all ROCK! And of course they are led by the best in the business, the Queen of McLaren Vale – the great Mrs Mc!

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Green ThoughtsIt was only when asked to give a presentation at a conference late last year about our good work in the environmental space that the lightbulb (energy efficient LED of course) went off that we probably should share this news more widely. For those who are interested in this sort of stuff, here’s a quick checklist of what we have been up to:

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

It is probably no surprise to learn that wineries not only generate a lot of waste materials in the winemaking process, but also liquid waste with the continual washing down of equipment to keep everything spotless. Hygiene is your best friend in a winery. Some years ago we installed a wastewater treatment plant and today around 5,000,000 L is treated every year. This amount includes 100% of the wastewater generated in the winery, as well as a large portion of stormwater, as we are an open winery. The recycled water is used to grow a young woodlot, where some of the plants are used for our biodynamic preparations.

With our solid waste, we have made a quantum leap over the past few years.

The amount of solids present in our raw wastewater stream was decreased by 70% simply by installing stainless steel meshes over winery drains. The solids captured are collected as soon as they are generated and end up in our compost. We have been composting onsite since early 2011 – recycling grape marc and stalks from the winemaking process, as well as a portion of the sludge generated by our wastewater treatment plant.

Hay and other organic materials are added to the compost heaps to make up the final material – along with chook poo from our chickens that feed on the scraps from the staff lunchroom. The nutrient-charged compost makes its way onto our vineyards to help grow the healthy vines. That’s called closing the loop!

On a more visible front, we are also a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant, continually looking at ways to reduce packaging waste and CO2 emissions. This led to the introduction of the lighter weight bespoke bottle for Church Block back in 2010.

BD1 and BD2

That’s biodiversity and biodynamics. For the past decade we have continually worked to restore the native vegetation along the Turraparri Creek that runs through Wirra Wirra. Over 400m of creek line has been impacted since 2003; exotic shrubs and trees removed and natives planted.

Around the property in general we have planted over 4600 plants since 2011! OK – we may have had a little help through our membership of Trees for Life, but that’s a lot of shovel and spade work.

Of course most Bell Ringers are aware that we have been fully certified biodynamic since 2013, with our vineyards managed free of chemicals and pesticides and farmed under biodynamic principles. Last year we introduced a flock of sheep over winter to keep the grass down and reduce tractor passes in the vineyards. It certainly made for a happy, healthy flock.

POWER PLAY

Whether it’s at home or in business, rising power costs have had us all scratching our heads as to how we can do things smarter (and cheaper). Here at the winery we have installed over 400 solar panels, a new refrigeration plant and insulated brine lines in the winery to reduce our reliance on electricity and make our systems run more efficiently – and it seems to be working. We are already saving up to 50% on power drawn from where we were before these projects were commissioned.

So next time you enjoy a bottle of Church Block, it will be nice to know that while every care went into making the best wine we could, we were also considering our environmental footprint at the same time.

Page 3: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

Living in the Seventies

The oft-told story of how Greg Trott’s red wine creation Church Block evolved from its original blend of grenache and shiraz to a mix of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot (and subsequent position of world domination) has now reached its ultimate conclusion with the makeover of our Original Blend Grenache Shiraz label. For years, this label has been seen as a retro throwback to the first ever Church Block bottle, when in actual fact, it was nothing like it! Basically, it just looked retro. Finally this wrong has been righted as we unveil the extremely cool 2014 Original Blend with its new/old label that takes us right back to 1972, flared pants, Chargers and polyester shirts. Plastered on the bespoke bottle that we created for Church Block a few years back, “OB” has come home and looks all the better for it. What’s inside the bottle’s not too bad either…

Of barrows and bugs

Our new website is a little bit older than last time we spoke – but still very new! Hayleythemarketingmanager has been patiently working through the bugs that always come supplied with a new website (They are the only thing you don’t get charged for – Ed.) and ensuring that it regularly features special offers and great deals for Bell Ringers. If you go to the front page at www.wirrawirra.com and click on the little wheelbarrow of goodies in the top left hand corner, it will take you straight to the latest and greatest offers. If you haven’t yet ordered off the new site, just use the temporary password WELCOME – it’s easy. And if you are not yet a Bell Ringer, sign up and enjoy the benefits including: – Standard 10% discount off nearly all purchases – Special deals and offers – Personal Birthday Gift Voucher

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All hail, Wassail!

Harvest 2015 was officially rung in at Wirra Wirra on Friday February 6 by reigning McLaren Vale Bushing Kings, Matt Caldersmith and Nic Bowen of Chateau Reynella. In the absence of the infamous scoundrel and Master of Ceremonies, Tony Brooks, AK stepped into the role of interviewer and interviewee, a thankless task that included leading the guests in a raucous rendition of the McLaren Vale Bushing Wassail. He implored his charges to raise the roof with a cry that would waken Mr. Brooks from his Adelaide hospital bed and toasted to his welcome return at next year’s ceremony. As local growers, wine and mischief makers shared each other’s wines and the tasty tucker of Chef Todd Steele, who would have known that the ensuing few weeks would lay claim to one of the fastest vintages on record??

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Page 4: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

Winemakers get the choccies (Literally) There are normally three certainties for winemakers operating in South Australia during the extended period of sleep deprivation known as “vintage”. 1) You will hear about numerous Adelaide Fringe and Festival must-see shows; but see none; 2) you will drink your body weight and then some in Coopers Pale Ale and 3) you will be absent from your family and friends over Easter. But not this year. The dry Spring and mild Summer, created dream conditions to ripen fruit. Vintage was early, in fact one of our earliest on record. And quick. One of the most compressed on record. We’ll let Senior Winemaker Smithy take up the story… Yields were average to just below average. The vineyards had good canopies (leaf cover) despite the dry season and with modest crops there has been a strong engine to ripen the fruit and build lovely flavour intensity. That meant earlier picking – in fact we ran around four weeks “ahead” of what we would consider an earlier than average year! A real strength has been the mild weather with only a handful of hot days over Summer. This meant that at harvest we saw very good natural acids with low ph’s (that’s a good thing BTW). This can often create wines with the structure to age long and gracefully. From McLaren Vale both Shiraz and Cabernet looked very strong with bright aromatics and lovely weight. There were also some exceptional Grenache parcels. I haven’t had an Easter off in 20 years – at last I’ll be able to get into the eggs before the children devour them all!

WCHF

Bell Ringers know of our long term support for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation (now known as TeamKids) in South Australia. This Easter, the WCHF were gifted what could prove a game-changing opportunity from the SA Government and Channel 9, with the chance to run the first telethon on South Australian TV in over 30 years. Channel 9 celebs were on hand to make sure the WCHF kick started their campaign to raise $2M over Easter. We were pleased to play a small role too. As a part of the celebrations, AK handed over a cheque to WCHF CEO Sam Tolley for $35,000, representing the fruits of our fundraising and contributions over the past few years. Sam said that the Appeal would significantly boost the foundation’s capacity to help fund major projects at the hospital over the next decade and beyond. www.wchfoundation.org.au

You Can’t Buy Experience (Or Can you?)Since we launched our new Experiences packages in the last Bell Ringer the bookings have been coming through thick and fast. We apologise to those seeking prime weekend spots who have found their chosen Experience to be booked out. We have discovered that there are 52 weekends in a year and everybody wants them. As a reminder, we can offer a broad range of customised Experiences at the winery, ranging from Sausage Making with Feast Fine Foods, through to Greenery Workshops with Emma Sadie Thomson. Of course they all involve wine tasting – and if that’s all you wish to do, we have those Experiences too and much more! These cater for groups of 2 to 60, so they’re ideal for family, friends and corporate groups. For a full range of Experiences to suit (almost) everyone, go to www.wirrawirra.com/functions-events/experiences/ Book early and often with Lisa or Erin on (08) 8323 8414.

Fling theCatapult

Church Block Blending Class

The Old Cellars Tasting

A Jetty Luncheon

Richard Gunner’s Sausage Making

Trott’s Tales

Edible Garden

Workshop

Biodynamic Workshop

EST’s Greenery Workshop

Too-reega!!

When we launched our Cellar Door only range Esperanza, we began with a tempranillo and

monastrell, promising a touriga nacional to come. And it’s here. Joining the ranks alongside the new release 2014 Monastrell, comes our first

ever Esperanza Touriga Nacional, also from the 2014 vintage. The Esperanza range is our take on Iberian (Spanish and Portuguese) varieties that we think may have a future being grown in McLaren Vale. We make the wines in small

quantities for our cellar door and a handful of curious restaurant friends around the country.

We’ve only made 200 dozen, and if the small batch we made of tempranillo is anything to go by, it will disappear fast. Order at Cellar Door or online at www.wirrawirra.com. 2014 Esperanza Monastrell and the 2014 Touriga Nacional $30

a bottle, or $27 with Bell Ringer discount. Available early May.

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Pic: Sam ponders how this will fit into the ATM on the way home

Page 5: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

Winemakers get the choccies (Figuratively)

The blown glass trophies awarded at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show have to be among the most beautiful in the wine show world. This year we took home two of them!

The Trophy for best overall exhibitor – because our three entered wines – the 2014 Lost Watch Riesling (Gold); the 2013 12th Man Chardonnay (Gold); and the 2014 Hiding Champion Sauvignon Blanc (Silver) all shone brightly AND the Trophy for Best Riesling with the 2014 Lost Watch.

We’ve been sourcing fruit from a stellar bunch of Adelaide Hills growers for over a decade now and these gongs are a testament to Greg Trott’s vision that a McLaren Vale winery needed to look to its cool climate neighbours to produce world class white wines.

Ashton Hills

Ever wander down the road to pick up a cheeky bottle of pinot and return home owning a winery? No? Well that’s not quite how it happened to us either – but it would make for a nice story. Fact is, we have been shopping and are delighted to let Bell Ringers know that we have acquired one of Australia’s most highly regarded pinot noir producers – Ashton Hills in the Adelaide Hills. Ashton Hills was founded by Stephen George in 1982 and since that time the reclusive winemaker has built a reputation as one of Australia’s finest proponents of pinot noir, drawn from his three hectare, dry grown vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley. Producing very small quantities of pinot noir, a minute amount of riesling and a popular sparkling selection, Ashton Hills has flown under the radar to some degree, but is much loved by wine critics and collectors across the country. James Halliday has lauded the ageability of Stephen’s wines and described Ashton Hills as the “greatest of all Adelaide Hills pinot”. The good news for us is that Stephen will continue to be involved with the winery – he lives on the property – and will work with our winemaking team to continue the legacy of Ashton Hills as a benchmark pinot noir producer. The good news for Bell Ringers is that you will have the opportunity to gain access to these limited release wines and purchase them directly through the winery. We can’t send you to the Ashton Hills website – as there isn’t one! But we will send you an introductory offer in the weeks to come. The Cellar Door in the picturesque Piccadilly Valley on Tregarthen Rd, Ashton, is open on weekends only at this stage and is well worth a visit, 11am–5.30pm.

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Page 6: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

Wirra Wirra Vineyards McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171 PO Box 145, McLaren Vale SA 5171 P: +61.8.8323.8414 F: +61.8.8323.8596 E: [email protected] www.wirrawirra.com Printed on 100% recycled stock

Join us on Facebook: Wirra Wirra Wines Follow us on Twitter: @wirrawirrawines Follow us on Instagram: @wirrawirrawines

Who am I? I was born in Melbourne, studied commerce before winding my way to wine, learning my craft in my home state (Vic.), before joining Villa Maria (NZ), then Tamar Ridge (Tas) and now Wirra Wirra (SA). A. Tom Ravech. We’re thrilled to welcome Tom and his family to the Wirra Wirra Tribe in his role as Winemaker working alongside Smithy. Tom’s experience in the cooler climes will complement the talents of Smithy and Kelly Welly and work in nicely with our acquisition of pinot specialists Ashton Hills. Welcome Tom, Paula, Lola and Lewis to life in the Southern Vales.

��������������������������������������������Magic Roundabout

×G-I-N-S-C-A-T-O

After the response to our Ginscato by the glass at the Unley Gourmet Gala (UGG) in Adelaide, we have had numerous requests for the “recipe”. So for those Bell Ringers who find the 4.5% alcohol of Mrs. Wigley

Moscato a little, er light on, here is the grown-ups version. Actually, we have

created this version so it still measures one standard drink (at sea level or otherwise),

so you will know just how much alcohol you and your guests are consuming each time.

Enjoy.

20 ml gin (we typically use Bombay Sapphire)

150 ml Mrs. Wigley Moscato1 lime wedge, squeezedA few fresh mint leaves

½ cup ice

After logging a bunch of Save the Dates last newsletter, the phones started ringing off the hook! Now we can finally reveal the dates AND venues for the hottest wine dinner tickets in your city for 2015. Our infamous biennial Bell Ringer dinners, hosted by AK (biggest office), Smithy (Winemaker) and Lisa Mc (Cellar Door Superstar) are semi-legendary for their generosity, quality and banter. 5 courses; 10 wines and a surprise gift have made us firm friends with Bell Ringers across the country over the past decade and this winter we are set to do it all again at these very cool establishments.

Below: Tom and baby Stanley

Perth, Thursday 9th July 2015 Red Cabbage 49/15 Labouchere Road, South Perth 6151 Sydney, Tuesday 4th August 2015 Shangri-La 176 Cumberland Street, Sydney 2000 Melbourne, Wednesday 5th August 2015 The Duchess Level 3, 2 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Brisbane, Wednesday 26th August 2015 Stokehouse 1 Sidon Street, Brisbane 4101 For bookings please call Lisa on (08) 8323 8414.

It was squeals of excitement through the cellars as Cellar Door star, Kelly Fargher and husband Steve, announced the arrival of their first born, Stanley Lou in late March. Let’s get it out the way – yes, she is now a Mother Fargher – and she’ll be a champion one at that. Congratulations Kelly and Steve and welcome to the world Stanley Lou.

�������������������������������������������Bell Ringer Dinners

Pic: Hayley and Anton had all the answers at the Unley Gourmet Gala

Page 7: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

vv v2013 Amator Cabernet Sauvignon

“This surprisingly ace Cabernet, barely touched up in the winery. Firm, chewy tannin drags firm black fruit long. As close to joven as Cabernet Sauvignon. Wicked drink.”Mike Bennie online, January 2015

2012 Woodhenge Shiraz

“I loved the mix of decadence and restraint to this… flavours are refined and restrained, yet

…and the structure of bright acidity, concentrated flavour and fine-grained tannins are a delight. A textbook example of McLaren Vale shiraz.”

****1/2, Wine Weekly, Ben Thomas, 18/3/15

2012 Whaite Old Block Shiraz

“… It is very elegant, supple and bordering juicy, oak evident, but not overthe top, the tannins superfine. Great now, but will hold.”96 Points, James Halliday Magazine Dec 2014

What th ey’re saying about us…

Vintage Value Dozen

★ 2 x ‘14 Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Viognier★ 2 x ‘13 Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot★ 2 x ’13 Church Block★ 2 x ’14 Hiding Champion Sauvignon Blanc★ 2 x ’11 Esperanza Monastrell★ 2 x ’12 Woodhenge Shiraz- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Normally $278.00Bell Ringer’s Price $198.00 + Free Delivery

Shiraz Rhymes with Cars Dozen

★ 3 x ’13 Catapult Shiraz★ 3 x ’13 Amator Shiraz★ 3 x ’12 Woodhenge Shiraz★ 3 x ’12 RSW Shiraz

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Normally $480.00Bell Ringer’s Price $378.00 + Free Delivery

New Release Six Pack

★ 2 x ‘14 Original Blend★ 2 x ‘13 Church Block★ 2 x ‘14 The 12th Man Chardonnay- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Normally $153.00Bell Ringer’s Price $126.00 + Free Delivery

Gift vouchers available Easy to order and simple to use. Call cellar door on (08) 8323 8414 or order online.

Autumn Special Offers

Order online www.wirrawirra.com; call Cellar Door on 08 8323 8414; or email us on [email protected]������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

2012 The Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon

“Vineyards in the cooler parts of McLaren Vale provide poise, benchmark varietal definition and grand longevity, upholding the black depth of the region. Wirra has unleashed one of the best McLaren Vale Cabernets in a good while.”96 Points, WBM, Tyson Stelzer, Feb 2015

2014 Lost Watch Adelaide Hills Riesling

“… It’s a nice change of pace from your usual Clare of Eden Valley style; a little softer, more floral and come-hither…Gentle chalkiness, delicacy and refreshment at every turn, with a clean finish of excellent length. You’d be hard pressed not to like this.”93 Points, Winefront, Gary Walsh, Feb 2015

2012 RSW Shiraz

“Wonderful violet fragrance is energised by vibrant acidity. Layers of black fruits are propelled by beautifully poised, driving tannins. One of the greatest RSWs to date, with a magnificent future before it.”96 Points, WBM, Tyson Stelzer, Feb 2015

FREE FREIGHTTo celebrate the launch of our new website, we’re offering free freight on all orders of 6 bottles or more until 1st May 2015. Bell Ringer members receive 10% discount. All wine available while stocks last.

Page 8: Wirra Wirra Vineyards | Bell Ringer Newsletter | November 2014

Online ordering: www.wirrawirra.com/shopPlease enclose a cheque/money order or credit card authority to cover the full cost of the wines and Freight + Insurance if applicable. Payable to Wirra Wirra Vineyards. Post, phone, fax or email your order to: Wirra Wirra Vineyards – PO Box 145, McLaren Vale SA 5171 T: (08) 8323 8414 F: (08) 8323 8596 E: [email protected]

Order Form April 2015

FREE FREIGHTTo celebrate the launch of our new website, we’re offering free freight on all orders of 6 bottles or more until 1st May 2015. All wine available while stocks last.

Bell Ringer’sPriceVIN Whites $RRP TOTAL

2014 Hiding Champion Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc (new release) $24.00 $21.60 x Btls = $2014 Scrubby Rise Unoaked Chardonnay (new release) $15.00 $13.50 x Btls = $2014 Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Viognier $15.00 $13.50 x Btls = $2014 The 12th Man Adelaide Hills Chardonnay $31.50 $28.35 x Btls = $2014 The Lost Watch Riesling (SOLD OUT – next vintage available July 15)

Reds2014 Mrs Wigley Grenache Rosé (new release) $20.00 $18.00 x Btls = $2011 Esperanza Monastrell (Cellar Door Exclusive) $30.00 $27.00 x Btls = $2014 Esperanza Touriga Nacional (Cellar Door Exclusive – available May 15) $30.00 $27.00 x Btls = $2014 Original Blend Grenache Shiraz (new release) $25.00 $22.50 x Btls = $2013 Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Petit Verdot $15.00 $13.50 x Btls = $2013 Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot (new release) $20.00 $18.00 x Btls = $2013 Catapult Shiraz (new release) $25.00 $22.50 x Btls = $2012 Woodhenge Shiraz $35.00 $31.50 x Btls = $2013 Amator Shiraz (Cellar Door Exclusive) $30.00 $27.00 x Btls = $2013 Amator Cabernet Sauvignon (Cellar Door Exclusive) $30.00 $27.00 x Btls = $2013 The Absconder Grenache $70.00 $63.00 x Btls = $2012 RSW Shiraz $70.00 $63.00 x Btls = $2012 The Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon $70.00 $63.00 x Btls = $2012 Scarce Earth Whaite Old Block Shiraz $130.00 $117.00 x Btls = $

Fizz & Fortified2014 Mrs Wigley Moscato 500mL $18.00 $16.20 x Btls = $2010 The Empire Series Botrytis Semillon 500mL (Cellar Door Exclusive) $20.00 $18.00 x Btls = $NV The Empire Series Rare Muscat 500mL (Cellar Door Exclusive) $30.00 $27.00 x Btls = $2007 Sparrow’s Lodge Vintage Port 375mL (Cellar Door Exclusive) glass stopper $20.00 $18.00 x Btls = $

Specialised Format2013 375mL Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot $12.00 $10.80 x Btls = $2012 1.5 Litre Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot (40th Anniversary) $70.00 $63.00 x Btls = $2012 1.5 Litre The Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon $155.00 $139.50 x Btls = $2012 1.5 Litre RSW Shiraz $155.00 $139.50 x Btls = $2013 3 Litre Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot $130.00 $117.00 x Btls = $

Special OffersVintage Value Dozen $198.00 x 12pk = $Shiraz Rhymes with Cars Dozen $378.00 x 12pk = $New Release Six Pack $126.00 x 6pk = $

SUB TOTAL $FREIGHT $FREE

TOTAL $

I would like to be included on the Bell Ringers mailing list to receive future offers: □ Yes □ No □ Already MemberMy preferred contact is: □ All □ Snail Mail □ Phone □ Email OnlyName: D.O.B:Address: City/Town/Suburb: State: Post Code: Telephone: ( ) Email Address:Special Delivery Instructions:Payment Method: □ Cheque □ m/order □ AMEX □ MasterCard □ VISACard #: Expiry Date: / CCV# (3 digits on back of c/card):Signature: (I am over 18 years of age)

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CON NOTE PCKD BY DATE SENT # BOTTLES # CARTONS

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