NEWS
(Posted July 2011)
DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE PDF VERSION OF OUR SEASONAL NEWSLETTER:
WINTER TALK - JULY 2011: PRUNING & MORE
TIME FOR PRUNING
The vines throughout the vineyard are currently dormant; leafless, fruitless and frankly a bit shaggy. They are ready for their annual pruning. We favour cane pruning throughout the vineyard to maintain the high standards required by our winemaker. This method ensures smaller more flavoursome bunch sizes and avoids overcropping of the fruit.
This year we will be trialling a new approach to cane pruning with partial mechanisation of the pruning process. After the pruning team makes the initial cut, the machine helps us with the heavy work of pulling out the old canes. The meticulous and skilled work of selecting the strong canes with the right number of buds for controlled production and ideal canopy cover, as well as the securing of canes to trellising wires, is still done by hand. The mulching of the pulled out canes is done in the vineyard, encouraging the immediate return of organic material and naturally enriching the soil.
Those visiting the vineyard over the next few weeks should see the results of our efforts with a neat array of the strong vine bases and the surprisingly delicate canes securely tied to the wires. No more shaggy vines!
FANTASTIC RESULTS AT DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2011
Thompson Estate was one of three Margaret River producers to take out a GOLD medal at the recent Decanter World Wine Awards. Our top results are revealed below:
GOLD: Thompson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Sadly, we sold our last bottle of this vintage just last month. If you are seeking this wine our Perth and Sydney distributors and their stockists still have some supplies. That said, the newly released 2008 is another standout.
SILVER: Thompson Estate Andrea Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2007
Sorry but you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer for this wine. We have more of the award winning 2005 vintage to tempt you in the meantime.
SILVER: Thompson Estate Locum Chardonnay 2010
Now for the good news, we have plenty of this vintage available for immediate sale. At $20 a bottle, this crisp Margaret River Chardonnay (with just a whisper of oak) is refreshingly well priced!
SUCCESSFUL TASTING HELD AT LAMONT'S WINE STORE
We were delighted to be invited by John Jens to hold a vertical tasting of Thompson Estate vintages at Lamont’s Wine Store Cottesloe (May 12th). The 2006 to 2009 Chardonnays and the 2004 to 2008 Cabernet Sauvignons were presented As the level of interest was high, two sessions were held; one a wine tasting with canapés and the other a more formal wine dinner.
Bob Cartwright presented some of his winemaking secrets which have contributed to the success of the Thompson Estate wines and gave some fascinating background to the early days of Margaret River. John Jens, a strong supporter of Thompson Estate and the Western Australian wine industry as a whole, entertained the group with his lively insights concerning Margaret River and its enviably high position as a winemaking region.
ADDRESS CHANGE WITH RENAMING OF ROAD
On May 26th Harmans Road South was officially renamed Tom Cullity Drive. The new name commemorates the founder of Vasse Felix Vineyard, Dr Thomas Cullity (a cardiologist) who planted the first commercial vineyard in Margaret River. The name change was officially announced by Eve Shannon-Cullity (his widow) and was followed by a luncheon at Vasse Felix hosted by Paul Holmes à Court. The luncheon was attended by two of Dr Cullity’s brothers (Denis and Gary) and other members of the Cullity family, as well as David Gregg (former winemaker) and various neighbours.
Thompson Estate’s new address is 299 Tom Cullity Drive, Wilyabrup.
NEW MARKETING & BRAND MANAGER FOR THOMPSON ESTATE
Many of you will have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Liz Mencel, our Marketing and Brand Manager. Liz has had a huge impact at Thompson Estate in a short time, and has been instrumental in raising our brand awareness and recognition to a level which we did not think was possible in today’s tough market. Her dynamism and follow through have made a memorable impression on everyone with whom she has worked. She is moving on to a new and exciting challenge, and everyone at Thompson Estate wishes her well for what will undoubtedly be a stellar career in the wine industry.
We will be hiring someone to fill Liz’s role very soon. We are currently calling for applications.
EVENTS
(Updated July 2011)
July 23, 2011 - Saturday
WINE SHOW BY THE BAY
Celebrate the best of Australian wine and food at the Wine Show by the Bay where over 25 of the nation’s most beloved wines (including Thompson Estate) will be represented in a wine fair like no other. Enhance your experience by joining Thompson Estate in a Master Class on Margaret River Chardonnays.
More details: Download Invitation
July 28, 2011 - Thursday
THOMPSON ESTATE WINE DINNER: THE UNIVERSITY CLUB OF WA
Enjoy a glass of Thompson Estate sparkling wine on arrival, followed by a three-course menu paired with Thompson Estate wines. Rub shoulders with legendary winemaker Bob Cartwright, who will present the wines, as well as owners Peter and Jane Thompson.
More details: Download Flyer
August 25, 2011 - Thursday
THOMPSON ESTATE WINE DINNER: THE GOOSE, BUSSELTON
Join Thompson Estate winemaker Bob Cartwright in his hometown for a very special degustation wine dinner at The Goose Café Restaurant. Canapés will be served on arrival with a glass of Thompson Estate sparkling wine, followed by six spectacular courses each carefully matched to an individual Thompson Estate Chardonnay (vintages 2006, 2007 & 2008) or Cabernet Sauvignon (vintages 2004, 2007 & 2008).
Address: The Goose Cafe Restaurant, Geographe Bay Road - adjacent to the Busselton Jetty
Lock this date away now and we will update you soon with the selected menu, cost and booking details!
August 27, 2011 - Saturday
BOOK LAUNCH: "HOMEMADE" BY ANNA GARE
Fremantle Press and Thompson Estate invite you and your family to the launch of “Homemade – Simply Delicious Food” by Junior MasterChef judge and mentor Anna Gare. An afternoon tea will be served along with Thompson Estate sparkling wine. Thompson Estate proudly sponsors Fremantle Press.
More details: Download Invitation
|
