Vintage 2008 rumbled towards us like a huge  wave in the Drake Passage, large and ominous.  Knowing this months in advance, when we saw bunch sizes and weights twice that of 2007's, at least allowed us to prepare.  So we increased our capacity by some 90 tonnes; and waited for the perfect wave to hit us,  cleaning and polishing the gear for the 5th time.

 

 
And press we did, some 400 plus barrels stacked 4 high in the cave and cellar.  A lot of Pinot, all of it good.  By the time Gibbston fruit was harvested, late April, we knew already that this was going to be a very very good vintage - and the fruit from these old vineyards in the valley only enhanced the quality.  Perfumed, complete, with a lovely concentrated tangy lightness that has just so much potential.  The big relief is that size was matched by quality.  The fact that we processed 20% more fruit than we ever have in the past (420 tonnes) goes some way to indicate just how good I think the fruit was.  As usual, Pinot Noir from the lower altitude Bendigo vineyards was first in.  Bang! 2 days, 55 tonnes processed…as much as we did for ourselves total in 2007.  With that milestone passed, we built up a really smooth momentum, as if the wave had caught us and carried us, rather than dumped us.  A steady, albeit heavy, flow of fruit carried on.  Early Pinots were very structured, formidable tannins and sure grip balancing their dark colour and fruit.  Christopher Keys w/ Pinot

Later, higher altitude Bendigo Pinot Noir came in beautifully fine and fleshy, with some lovely expressive fruit splashing over measured tannins.   Increasing capacity saved us some real headaches, allowing us to hold all wines for as long as we desired on skins before we pressed.

Reds then: no problems, ink in as a great year.

 

Whites - clean fresh fruit, with lower sugar and acids suggesting a nice balance.  The wines have a real drinkable loveliness to them that is great.  As usual with Gibbston Valley wines, the varietal definition is clearly stamped on them, with those cool nights and warm days trapping flavours in, keeping them fresh…  Again, as for the last few years, the Pinot Gris is aromatic and complex.  Riesling, well he is a delight this year, low yields, natural ferments, quite the most interesting one we have seen.  And chardonnay - well I was pleased with 07 and remain equally with 08.  Purity and linear definition.  The days of Dolly Parton butterscotch muck are over!   could go on endlessly about this year's harvest.  The vineyard team just kept on trucking in load after load of immaculate fruit, a truly awesome effort from Dom et al.  Smoothly flowed the Dom. This year in the winery we had the best group of workers I have had the pleasure to work with.  Quality work allowed us to enjoy ourselves, and the wines will reflect that.  Meet the 2008 winery staff....Gewurztraminer