September update from Dru and Nicole
Spring has finally sprung. With it comes the lovely warm, sunshiny weather followed by a downpour, wind, and sunshine again.
We have just commenced pruning here in our Coonawarra vineyards. It’s a bit different down in Mt Gambier. Pruning was completed a little while ago, as Chardonnay bursts much earlier than Cabernet, so it is well and truly bursting out now, ready to flourish after its big winter sleep.
Now, we are constantly monitoring the weather forecast keeping an eye out for the threat of frost. But by pruning late, that should safeguard us quite well.
Not sure if you saw back at the start of the Month, we were awarded 94 points for our latest release, 2019 Ambriels Gift Cabernet Sauvignon in the James Halliday Wine Companion.
They said, and I quote –
“Firm, concentrated and engagingly lush… this has a veritable forest of dark berries, shaped by firm structuring tannins and laden with exotic spice. It’s classic Coonawarra – the mint, dark choc, and blackberry bramble on the nose are a dead giveaway, confirmed in the mouth. A lovely lingering aftertaste offers even more opportunity to taste. Smart.” – Erin Larkin.
To say we were pleased was an understatement!
Nicole’s been driving kids around a lot, so she hasn’t been reading us much but using the time to listen to some great audiobooks. She loved Daisy Jones and the Six, (even though she was surprised when she couldn’t find their music on spotify coz it’s a made-up story, haha). Of course, I’ve been reading more books about Mental Health and also some about regenerative farming. Books are a great way to inspire change and boost your mood.
We were lucky to dust off our passports a couple of weeks ago and head over to Bali for a great family holiday. We enjoyed lots of bike riding, Qi Gong, walking, and of course, lots of cocktails, fantastic food, massages and relaxation by the pool. It was so great to hear some different languages, meet people from all over the world, and see the world return to normal.
We have also been busy planning our Cabernet Celebration dinner in the cellar door as a part of the Month long Cabernet Celebrations in October here in the Coonawarra. There is an excellent program of events and so much to see and do. It’s a wonderful time to visit the region.
Till next month,
Dru & Nicole Reschke
All the other bits
Album of the Month
Andy Penkow – Love Lies and Dirty Dishes
Andy Penkow – have a listen, as he’s just released a new album. and I’m confident you’ll love it. You can even catch him playing live in the South East as a part of the “Should Have Hired a Car” tour. There are gigs in Mt Gambier, Coonawarra, and Robe.
Wine of the Month
Zema Estate – Family Selection
Demetrio Zema made our first ever wine in 1992. This is their flagship wine from aged vines in Coonawarra. I opened a bottle from 2005 recently, and it was off the charts amazing. The world’s truly great wines are amazing at any age, and these show that quality.
Recipe of the Month
Szechuan Spicy Chicken
Each month we trawl thru our recipe books to show you just how easy it is to match our wine of the month with regular everyday food. This month it’s all about our Flowers for Lucy Moscato and you had better believe it’s a great match for this Szechuan Spicy Chicken. Find the recipe here
If you want a more traditional pairing for the Moscato be sure to check out this Summer Berry trifle recipe.
2 mins to do good –
It’s time for clean air, a safer climate and healthier communities. It’s time for cheaper fuel and energy independence. It’s time to Electrify Everything. First stop: transport. To ensure clean transport for Australia our government must quickly legislate for strong fuel efficiency standards in line with other major markets.
To sign the petition click here
Upcoming Events
Cabernet Celebrations Dinner
Come along and celebrate Koonara’s tribute to Cabernet Sauvignon as part of this year’s Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations. Enjoy a three-course dinner by renowned chef Kirby Shearing with a selection of current vintage and museum wines. Dru and Nicole will walk you through our Koonara journey in the relaxed setting of our cellar door. For more information, click here
WHEN | Friday 21st October 6:30pm
WHERE | Koonara Wines Cellar Door, 44 Church Street, Penola
TICKETS | $120.00 per person, which includes a 3-course meal and matched current and museum wine selections
Cabernet Celebrations
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations is one of our best wine-based events, with over 70 unique food and wine experiences designed to showcase and celebrate the Coonawarra wine region’s beautiful signature red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy the spring-time celebrations across the month of October, with every week/weekend featuring themed events. With a huge range of wineries offering up events all month long, there is no shortage of activities to celebrate, activate and educate your senses.
As an added bonus, there will be shuttle buses running to help get you safely to the wineries and the events on the weekends. For more information and to book a spot on the bus, click here
Should Have Hired a Car Tour
WHEN | Friday 7th October September 7.30pm
WHERE |Coonawarra Memorial Hall
TICKETS | $25 per person
Dunkeld Races
Our Platinum Marquee is located in the premium trackside infield location, this marquee is suited for those guests looking for a superior day of racing, elegance and fun. Tickets are $205 which includes general admission to the racecourse, all-inclusive gourmet finger food as well as premium wine and beers and live entertainment. To book or to find out more click here