T'was a good year people...

Crops are off at a measly 1 tonne an acre average. This means tiny berries = more skin per litre = more colour = more flavour. All round good news for some super premium vino. Used a bit more than 1/3rd new oak this year, because the flavours are huge - gotta keep the balance of oak & fruit perfecto.

Below you can see why we machine pick - the berries are small enough that they come off whole, leaving the stems on the vine. This reduces any green/bitter flavours that might arise from stalks.

I thought last year was the best vintage ever for us, but I think we may have a new contender....

Penola Cup
Couldn't have picked a better day, with probably the last day for 6 months I'll be able to work on the tan. Thanks to Katnook for sponsoring the day for the race club (see wine of the week below).

After Dark is getting bigger every year - Fantastic Mexican at Rymills, and Mrs. Zema made twice the Pizza she made last year and it was still sold out. Word's out how good it is....
The grape stomp at DIGiorgio's was a hoot, with hundreds turning out to watch.
Saturday was Tony Gleeson spinning the wheels of steel in Koonara. Very funky, with requests for it again next year.

CONGRATS
Andrew Duncan & Alice Tolley on their engagement - Dunc popped the question by writing it on a bedspread & hoisting it up a flagpole for her to find (awwww...).

Mario & Annie Dreosti - The absolute most perfect setting & day for a wedding. Ten years has to be worth the wait for a day like that.
See more photos at http://www.koonara.com/annie&mario.html

EVENTS
Penola-Coonawarra Arts Festival     http://www.penolacoonawarrafestival.org
3 Weeks - 19th 21st May

See the "Boy from Oz" Todd McKenney before he goes on his tour of Australia - Some shows already sold out in Sydney & Melbourne.
ALSO:
Elvis Impersonator Andy Seymour, Co-Opera, and the world famous magicians The Concertino Brothers for the kids. Start booking accommodation (http://www.coonawarradiscovery.com) , because it's sold out every year.