Bald Rock Wines

Bald Rock wines was established in 1999 at Locksley, in Victoria’s “Strathbogie ranges wine region”, Australia. The vineyard of 11 acres was planted on ancient granite deposits; the bald rock itself is a huge monolith that creates cooling, thermal evening winds- thus the emblem on the new labels. The soil is 6m deep and very well drained; necessitating sustained watering in the dry, hot spells of summer. The ph. level is 6.3.
The pinot noir is the mv6 clone. The vines are pruned, irrigated and managed to produce a small tight bunch. At pressing, the juice extraction is 60 - 65%; handpicked then fermented in open pots. maturation occurs in small seasoned French barriques. The 2008 vintage produced 980 cases.
The wine is of a distinctive new world style, pale red/purple in colour. There are aromas of cherry and mushroom with some oak influence ... fruits of cherry on the palate with some earthy characteristics... typical of this variety.
Grapes are crushed and de-stemmed on the morning of harvest, inoculated with selected yeast to enhance varietal flavour profile. The acid is adjusted with natural (not synthetic) tartaric acid. It is left on the skins for 7 days and plunged twice daily. This is then pressed and inoculated for malo lactic fermentation followed by the addition of preservative 220. The wine is then matured in old French oak barrels. it has always been my wish to ” not over-oak” the wine, thus allowing more emphasis on the fruit and characteristics of pinot noir! Di-ammonium phosphate and cultured bacteria are also additives used.
Our wine maker is Lindsay brown, bachelor of applied science (winemaking) Charles Sturt university, 2001. experience at Rutherglen estates, Miranda, Mcguigan wines (Griffith), plunketts and now fowles wines’ senior wine maker (Strathbogie ranges).
A wine to enjoy now, although,” with patience comes greater reward”.
Bald Rock wines has been acknowledged for being “best regional red wine”, received awards from local shows and entries at “ federation square” wine events. international clients in japan and Hong Kong give credence to Bald Rock wines status.

Regards,
John Thomson