Lazy Ballerina

The McLaren Vale Vintage in 2007 was a trying one. All blocks for Lazy Ballerina were harvested at least 2 weeks earlier than 2004, 05 and 06. The drought had the effect of bringing ripening on rapidly. The time between veraison and harvest took less than 45 days.

Yields in the Lazy Ballerina Shiraz vineyard on California Rd, west of the township, were down about 30%. This was significant but not as much as many other vineyards in the district. The vineyard cropped at 1.6t/acre. Normally it would yield about 2t/acre. Inside the winery the seeds were more bitter than previous seasons. The wine was kept in fermenters for 2 weeks before pressing off.

Pressing was very light to avoid too much bitterness being extracted in the wine. Most of the wine put to barrel was ‘free run’ not pressed at all. Extraction rates were very low. Only 500 lts of wine were produced per tonne of grapes. This has reduced the production level of this wine for 2007 release.

Production of the 2007 Shiraz Viognier for the first time comes from 3 separate vineyards due to the reduced yields.

The traditional vineyard that was taken for 2005, and 06 Shiraz/Viognier had lower than normal yields, below 2 tonne to the ha, but Lazy Ballerina was able to obtain two new vineyards. The two new starters were from the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale. These two vineyards have deep sandy soils. The lack of any significant rain this season helped control vigour and limit and excessive vine growth. Canopies were open and good levels of light fell on the fruit. No sunburn was seen. We had been working with these vineyards for a few years and this year they really made the grade.

It is possible that some of this Blewitt Spring material will be kept separate and released as a ‘Special Single Vineyard.’ The quality looks very good with excellent colour and flavour. Again the ferments were long- 14 days and the pressing gentle (in a basket press of course!). Extraction rates were again very low, but the wine does have good potential.

Hope for the results is the sliver lining to the drought vintage cloud.