LOCATIONCudal (near Orange)At the "Monument" corner of Forbes Road and Parkes (Manildra) Road SIZE108 ha (267 acres)50 ha planted October/November 1998 58 ha planted September 1999 ALTITUDE480 - 510m: 30m fall from South to NorthCLIMATIC INDICESMJT: 22.1°CGDD: 1773 (mild) MAR: 16.3°C (continental) Branas Index: 1064 (very low fungal disease risk) Mean RH at 9am: 57% (7 month growing season) Mean RH at 3pm: 38% (7 month growing season) Rainfall: 640mm (evenly through the year with anticipated harvest month April lowest) SOILBasalt over limestone ("Terra Rossa")EM studies and a detailed soil survey have been performed, identifying Friable red-brown clay loam topsoil over dark red clay loam to light-medium clay which is finely aggregated (smooth faced peds, 5mm). The entire property is over limestone which lies between 1m and >5m under surface. The soil drains quickly but has excellent water holding qualities (RAW range from 53-111). PLANTING RATIO3 x 2m = 1666 vines/haESTIMATED YIELDAverage 10 tonnes/haIt is anticipated that the site will support vigorous growth. Yields will be reduced to ensure the production of premium quality fruit. WATER SUPPLYTwo bores (total 25 L/s) pumped into a 40 ML turkey's nest dam.
Water Analysis: Irrigation License: 300 ML/year (bores) IRRIGATION SYSTEMThe undervine drip irrigation network is controlled by a computerised Motorola system. There are five Southern Cross pumps delivering up to 120 L/s for irrigation and up to 220 L/s for the frost protection system.Most irrigation, if required, is programmed for night application. Soil moistures are measured by a series of 240 gypsum probes located throughout the vineyard. Monitoring is done regularly and irrigation is only applied when soil moisture levels drop to a predetermined level. Irrigation for 1999-2000 was 0.5 ML/ha for the first planting and 1.5 ML/ha for the second stage planting. Irrigation in 2000-2001 was 0.8 ML/ha. In 2001-2002, it was 0.7 ML/ha. FROST PROTECTIONAlthough the continental climate suggests a high frost risk, local topography reduces the danger to the vines. The rows are aligned down the hill, with a 30m slope down to the river. The lowest 40 hectares of the vineyard have a frost protection system installed. It uses the Netafim Dan flippers and delivers from the pumps at 220 L/s. It is linked to our weather station and will start automatically at 2°C and remain on until the temperature reaches 5°C. The system is in operation from one week before budburst until late November.SPRAY PROGRAMSA preventative spray program is used with variation implemented when required, due to weather or specific pest or disease risks. Programs are available for inspection and alterations can be made in timing or chemical choice if required by the winemaker.BUDBURST AND FLOWERING
HARVESTGrapes were harvested between 20 March and 10 May for the last three seasons. |