A record 25,000 tonne vintage, with fruit quality higher than anticipated, has ensured South Australian-based Cockatoo Ridge Wines moves into 2008 with very strong growth potential and some stunning wines to supply its world-wide markets.

The giant crush, following only a 7,500 tonne vintage in 2007 and 19,000 tonne crush in 2006 has seen Cockatoo Ridge moved to contract processing fruit from the Barossa Valley and Riverland in order to meet major wine contracts for three other Australian companies in addition to its own wine requirements.

Details of the vintage were released today by Cockatoo Ridge Wines Managing Director, Mr Peter Perrin, amid fears that large sectors of the Australian wine industry will fall short with requirements from the 2008 vintage.

“Our crush for 2008 is virtually finished, with fruit quality excellent and volumes above our initial expectations,” Mr Perrin said today.

“That is in start contrast to other major players in the Australian wine industry who have seen major shortfalls in parts of Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales through a combination of drought in some cases and floods and torrential rain in others.

“The volume achieved from the 2008 will ensure that Cockatoo Ridge will meet its extensive supply agreements with other Australian wine companies, while also ensuring it has quality product to meet its own Australian wine commitments while also servicing its growing overseas markets in Europe, South-East Asia and North America.”

Cockatoo Ridge Chief Winemaker, Mr Roger Harbord, said the quality of the 2008 crush had been exceptional.

“In the Riverland we decided to pick fruit a little earlier than many, with the result that varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Verdelho all displaying magnificent fruit flavours balanced by good, crisp acidity.

“The red varieties, particularly the Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, have generally displayed slightly smaller berry sizes than in previous years – an obvious legacy of the extended drought throughout much of SA.

“However, what they have lacked in bunch sizes they have made up for in depth of fruit and flavour.

“Both in the Barossa Valley and the Riverland red fruit has displayed exceptional dark colourings – and almost purple-black in some cases --while the intensity and generous flavours achieved have been outstanding.”

Issued on behalf of Cockatoo Ridge Wines by Greg Reid Marketing.
Telephone 08 83791929 or 0418 806 694.