April ’23

From the Vineyard –

Vintage 2023 is being talked about as one of the toughest growing seasons in recent memory across all of Australia.

Monty’s Leap didn’t escape many of the issues unfortunately. The lack of a proper spring combined with a cold snap in December meant reduced flowering and fruit set. Behind the 8 ball, the mission was to protect what was growing and make the most out of it. Lets not forget the a rogue lightning strike that started a bushfire in the Bakers Junction nature reserve.

Ideally when our fruit is ripening the red gums are flowing which “should” distract the silver eyes and crows from the grapes. Again due to the out of whack timing of this year the birds were very active in the vineyard. Complete rows of Sauvignon blanc disappeared in just days!

The Christmas trees alongside of Mead road only started flowing in late January and were still in full bloom in March.

Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc was picked late March. Low yield and good quality was the call. The reds had to hang until late April to ripen and nature had one last surprise for us in the form of multiple hail storms one wild Friday. Further reducing viable fruit for picking. 6 days of glorious sunny weather followed and the decision was made to pick what remained the Sunday just before the next frontal system coming from the South West. Very low yield but good quality.

In the end it was a tough year that was saved by decisive moves with the key focus on quality not quantity. Credit to Ray Williams and the viticulture team.

Wine in focus –

2021 Appleshed Red

Bright plum flesh in colour. This wine is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Providing a balance of rich fruit and structure. Generous characteristics of plum, sultanas and blackberries fill the bouquet and front palate, while subtle French oak and balanced tannins give a well-balanced savory palate.

Cabernet Franc dominates this wine with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot making up the rest of the blend. Components were kept separate until just before bottling. Fruit was crushed and destemmed into various fermenters before being pressed to seasoned French oak for 10 months maturation.

Harvest Date: 07/04/21 Bottle Date: 09/02/22

pH: 3.36 TA: 6.7g/L Alc: 12.5%

Mother’s Day gift idea…

Let us help you show your appreciation for the mothers, guardians, maternal bonds and important women in your lives! Purchasing her a gift voucher takes the decision making out of the gift giving and you can be confident that she will love it. A selection of wines or a long lunch at our restaurant which offers a beautiful vista overlooking the vineyard, indulging in regional flavours and exciting cuisine to complement our estate-grown wines.

Updated hours –

Thank you for your continued support.

RESTAURANT

Thursday – Sunday 11:30am – 4 pm

CELLAR DOOR

Wednesday 10am – 2pm

Thursday – Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

Job opportunities –

We opened our doors in December 2020 and quickly became one of the most popular restaurants in the area. With spectacular views of our vineyard and the Kalgan River, you can enjoy some amazing food and well-crafted wine in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The menu changes seasonally and offers what the region has best. We take pride in making everything on site, from our pastries to our cured meat, fish and meat butchery, using classic and modern technics.

We keep our employment page up to date, so if you or anybody you know are looking for work opportunities please send them this way! We are looking for chefs, cooks, kitchen hands and front of house staff.