Ben Cane | Vineyard Notes and Three Wines to Fawn Over
VINEYARD UPDATE
After what was the driest year since 1911, we welcomed precious rain to the area and the soil profiles began to be replenished. The sheep were let in amongst the vines to keep the grasses down and we set to continuing our reworking project, removing the old cordon arms and replacing them with new wood, or canes, to help reestablish the architecture of the vines.
Growing Season 2024-2025
Emerging from the driest year since 1911, we have continued to reshape and sculpt the future of our site, trimming back the old arms to rejuvenate, evolving to cane pruned to allow better spacing, airflow, and development of smaller bunches with more intense fruit. With great rainfall and a later budburst, the shoots are even and verdantly green, with small, perfectly formed bunches of fabulous potential. The growing season has largely been warm and dry, delivering low disease pressure and necessitating minimal irrigation.
Pinot Promise
The pinot noir has surprised everyone with its strength of growth and the balanced fruit development, promising a beautiful tiny first crop….perhaps enough for a few barrels. The real question becomes whether these wines will see the light of day or be consumed mysteriously in-house….To be able to get our hands on our first homegrown pinot noir is truly a monumental milestone and has been a long time coming.
Don’t forget about the Chard….
Grafting only several months ago onto our short row cabernet behind the cellar door, we have a tiny half-hectare clos of Gingin clone chardonnay with so much potential and character. With deep impressions of white burgundy swirling through our heads, we wait with bated breath to see how this French chameleon shapes herself in our backyard and how it compares to our beloved Victory Point expression.
THREE WINES TO FAWN OVER
2023 Invitational Shiraz Riesling
It’s estate fruit, yet it’s Invitational…How so..?
It's invitational as it’s a new idea, a new take, a new direction using the beauty of our own site. With the Perth and Brisbane climates in mind, this juicy vibrant, floral yet savoury number has been catching our fans by surprise, with many walking away with a new love. Riesling floral lift, elevating pepper and dark forest berries, with a fine savoury silken tail.
2023 Margaret River Chardonnay
If you know, you know….With 2022, our first Duke’s Chardonnay saw the light of day and it's been spell binding imbibers from day one. Hailing from the famed Victory Point Vineyard south of Cowaramup, the finesse and richness of the fruit have bloomed into such a delicious drop. Hold on, here comes 2023 with its layers of cream and hazelnut to challenge our attention. And it is a real stunner, though only at the start of its journey…
2024 Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling
Let me begin with a whisper, for I shall roar only too soon….Such is the typical Reserve Riesling from Duke’s: shy at first, then unfurling, reluctantly at first, and then with gusto to display all details of terroir and season. Yet 2024 has announced itself loudly and proudly, elbowing its way to the front of our consciousness, and it will not be denied! With characters reminiscent of the tiny powerful 2020 vintage, ripe green apple and unctuous tropical notes clamber out of the glass cradled by a mineral fine acid and heady floral lift. Drink now, drink later, 2024 has arrived and it is truly compelling….
