Champsaur News

Our debut wine from the Homedale vineyard in Mudgee, the 2005 Homedale Shiraz exceeded all expectations when judged at the 2006 Clear Image Mudgee Wine Show.

In a strong field of 25 entries for a ‘One year old shiraz’ a distinguished panel of judges headed by well known wine writer and critic, Huon Hooke, awarded the 2005 Homedale Shiraz one of only two gold medals in that class.

Only very limited stocks remain of our 2005 Shiraz Rose’. This wine, which was made in small quantity, comes form the same shiraz fruit as the gold medal winning Homedale Shiraz and is proving very popular.

Its’ popularity is such that as soon as opportunity presents, the shiraz rose’ will become a part of the permanent line-up.

Tasting of the Homedale 2006 Shiraz has been completed and after 13 months in oak the 2006 vintage has been bottled.

This is a wine full of promise which will only improve even more with aging until autumn 2008 during which time it will lie in our new controlled temperature storage. Look for the release in early to mid 2008.

The aptly named ‘Struggle Block’ of Homedale Cabernet has brought forth its 2006 vintage. This vineyard block is so named as the vines struggle to produce on this high exposed ridge.

The long awaited result has been a true traditional Cabernet with high expectations. As the 8 year old vines are still reaching their potential the yield is low.

The continuing drought put paid to the 2007 vintage so the 2006 when it is released early next year may well be a vintage to be treasured by lovers of Cabernet.

The 2006 Shiraz is now through its malolactic ferment and is showing the good colour and structure which are becoming hallmarks of the Champsaur Homedale Shiraz.

Drought and a December hailstorm have reduced yield but a dry growing and ripening season has concentrated flavour.

We wait with fingers crossed to see if the old saying that drought years produce exceptional vintages proves true.