MAY NEWSLETTER
COFFEE AND CAKE.
We finally opened our brand new (refurbished) cellar door in the Old March School the week before F.O.O.D week. Our very first customers were Graeme & Rita Felton from Sydney. Julie, Kristina, Lisa and Mel collectively make the best coffee in the central West..
We are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now and at this time of year a glass of wine or a coffee on the veranda in the autumn sunlight is a very peaceful experience. We have lots of art, candles, trinkets and Mortimer's merchandise for sale with Mum's watercolour landscapes proving to be very popular. .
F.O.O.D WEEK.
Our Blessing of the Harvest service was held under the old gum tree between the Cabernet and Shiraz vineyards and was a huge success. The Kuringai Male Choir and the Orange Male Voice joined in songs of praise whilst the legend Father Frank Hetherington delivered communion to the congregation. We used freshly baked bread and Jules* as the communion wine. After the service there was morning tea and a glass of wine with all proceeds going to the Holy Trinity Heritage Fund..
We also participated in the Night Markets and the F.O.O.D affair which were both well attended by locals and visitors rounding of an excellent event..
SPARKLES.
This rising star has been a success story from the start. It is a Pinot Noir Chardonnay Cuvee and has become very popular with the corporates for functions as well as the locals at our recent functions. I didn’t realise how many people drink sparkling wine. It retails for $22 at our cellar door. The wine is bright up front with a dry finish. The mid palate shows good weight of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit with a creamy texture. Quite an experience to drink..
2008 HARVEST.
The last grape was picked on 22nd April. Yeeehaaaa! This vintage will go down as one of the best ever. The generous rains in spring set up an excellent yield whilst the dry autumn allowed the fruit to ripen very slowly. The fruit was clean and crisp and the colours are vivid. Our previous best vintage was 2005 and the wines were excellent. Hopefully 2008 will elevate us to the next level..
WINESTATE MAGAZINE.
Our Chestnut Garth Chardonnay has earned a recommendation from Winestate Magazine May issue. They conducted tastings from the boutique wine regions in NSW and produced an article highlighting the best from each region. Nice to know our original brand is still living up to its reputation. It is indeed a premium example of cool climate chardonnay..
THE BOYS.
Mike has a new job with Corporate Express I.T. Anyone who is in business and needs computer networking or stock control should let us know.
James is busy doing personal training for clients on the North Shore as well as completing his landscaping apprenticeship. Premier league duties with Manly fills up the remaining daylight hours of the week.
Tim and Daniel work as a team in their studies at the ACPE. Not sure which one benefits the most. Tim is playing well for Wentworthville in the Jim Beam Cup and Daniels National 20’s Parramatta team lead the competition thus far.
Robbie still makes the best hot chocolate in Australia and now that he has his own coffee machine in the new cellar door I can also recommend his cappuccino and mocha.
COOK UP A STORM
Now we have a full range of wines we would like to offer our loyal customers a “degustation” dozen. Designed to present with a six course dinner party you need to match food to the following wines: (suggestions in brackets)
2x Mortimer’s of Orange Sparkles (canapé’s)
2x 2008 Chestnut Garth Sauvignon Blanc (smoked salmon)
2x 2006 Chestnut Garth Chardonnay (garlic prawns)
1x 2005 BFL Pinot Noir (duck)
2x 2005 Chestnut Garth Cabernet Sauvignon (minted lamb)
2x 2003 Simon Gilbert Shiraz (venison or scotch fillet)
1x 2005 Jules Shiraz Cabernet Blend (Blue cheeses & nuts)
The cost of the Degustation Dozen is $310 with $20 postage within Australia What a fabulous way to spend an evening with friends and family. (unless you’re the cook)..
Note: The Sauvignon Blanc will be available in about 6 weeks once it has been bottled and had time to settle. That will give you time to plan. Please place orders via our website. The first 10 orders will receive free delivery.
THE LOFT
Glenn and his wife Prue have opened a beautiful accommodation cottage with loft in the prettiest village in Australia - Millthorpe. To view The Loft go to the link on our website. It is set in manicured gardens in a private location and is ideal for a weekend away.
Thank you for again receiving our newsletter. Keep well until next time we meet and we hope you have success in your relentless pursuit of the perfect glass of wine.
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Kind regards
Peter and Julie Mortimer.