vintage
Our 2022 vintage was set up with excellent winter rainfall received over June, July and August in 2021 ā very close to the long-term average of 556mm. This ensured the soil profile reached capacity and recharged dams in the vineyard. A mild spring followed with October having significantly higher rainfall than average and spring being cool and cloudy in general. Budburst was surprisingly even but late as a result with November flowering also happening under cool (but drier) conditions with some variability in fruit set and subsequent berry development as a result (~3 weeks later than typical).
December and January then provided extraordinarily dry and sunny conditions (a very warm period over Xmas) with no rainfall which saw vine maturity ācatch upā to a harvest start of only around a week later than average. A strong Marri blossom helped preserve the quality of the vintage by distracting birds that would have otherwise been feasting on the ripening grapes.
A cooler change in the night temperatures and a light rain event in late February after our Chardonnay had been picked was perfectly timed to refresh the vines and allow for an extended ripening period (āhang timeā) and a flexible picking window for the red varieties to ensure full flavours developed and tannins were fine and ripe. All varietals achieved excellent quality and ripeness across the region with crop levels lower than 2021 to a more average volume which has further boosted the flavour and balance in the wines of 2022.
winemaking
Our Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot parcels were all picked in April 2022.Ā
All three varieties were harvested during the coolest part of the very early morning to achieve <10Ā°C fruit temperature so they could be cold soaked on skins for ~5 days prior to fermentation. The fuit was selectively harvested before being destemmed with any additional MOG (Material Other than Grapes) such as leaves being removed before the berries were transferred to small stainless steel fermenter. Each variety and vineyard Block was kept separate at all stages until the final blend was put together. The Cabernet Sauvignon underwent partial wild fermentation before a select yeast culture was added at a low rate to finish fermentation which lasted 10 days. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc also underwent partial wild fermentation.Ā
This vintage, the decision was made to press the Merlot and Franc off skins just prior to dryness (1-2 Be) to achieve the desired structure, perfume and end blend style. The Cabernet remained on skins post-ferment for a further 12 days. The Franc and Merlot were matured separately in previously used French oak puncheons (500L) with the Cabernet Sauvignon spending 15 months maturing in French oak hogsheads (300L) of which only ~10% were new (the balance 1-3yr French oak hogsheads). All batches were racked twice throughout their maturation period in barrel and topped monthly to preserve freshness and fragrance.Ā
The 2022 Redbrook red blend was bottled without filtration before further maturation in bottle prior to release. Our 2022 wine sees a return to a higher (22%+) proportion of Merlot in the final blend for which it is renowned.
region
Margaret River
varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon 72%
- Merlot 22%
- Cabernet Franc 6%
analysis
- Alcohol: 14%
- pH: 3.42
- TA (Acidity): 6.41 g/L
- Gluten Free
- Vegan-friendly
