
Most winemakers
agree that fine wines begin in the vineyard. At Lamplough Estate, we
are blessed with perfect conditions for producing strong, healthy, vines
with a good balance of fruit to foliage, and compact bunches of flavoursome
fruit.
The climate of
hot, dry summer days and cool nights makes possible a gradual ripening
of the fruit, which ensures strong fruit flavours.
The soil is a
mix of gravel, quartz and clay, with a small amount of topsoil, which
provides excellent natural drainage and is ideal for nourishing both
red and white varieties.
There are currently
five hectares under vine at Lamplough Estate. Plantings were carried
out in 1997 and 1998. Although there is a preponderance of Shiraz, we
also have plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.
We employ organic
viticultural practices as much as possible. The dry climate of the Pyrenees
enables us to grow grapes relying largely on the traditional fungicides,
sulphur and copper. Pesticides are rarely used on the property.
Harvest generally
starts in late March and is finished by early June. Our grapes are picked
by hand, and wines are made at Lamplough Estate only from fruit grown
on the estate.