Davenport Vineyards

 All looking good as we get into Spring

Young flower buds on the Pinot Noir

 It seems very busy in the vineyard at the moment. Pruning finished on time, buds burst slightly early and, while bottling last years wine got underway we had to cope with the threat of frost. For the first time ever we actually lit frost burners in the vineyard overnight and probably just as well because the vines were saved from the freezing temperatures. The photo above shows two large flower buds on a young shoot and this is seen all over the vineyard, predicting a good yield for 2014 if all goes well. I am always aware that the weather can find a multitude of ways to reduce the crop over the summer, primarily by persistently raining during the crucial flowering period (end of June) as happened in 2012. So far so good for 2014.

 

After a year of "out of stock" being written all over our web site, it is a massive pleasure to be able to put our 2013 still wines out for sale. The Horsmonden dry white is tasting fantastic, really fresh and zesty with citrus flavours and great length. I am sure it will mellow over the next 6 to 12 months as it matures and I really look forward to seeing it develop.

New to this year is our 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé, made from a 2 acre plot of organic Pinot Noir vines at Horsmonden, this shows true Pinot varietal character while being fresh and with a dry balance - just perfect for the summer.

These are both available on our web site along with the 2009 Limney Estate sparkling wine and the last few cases of the 2011 blanc de blancs. Please remember that orders of 12 bottles or more get a free delivery, including mixed cases.

As if we aren't busy enough, we also found time to show our wines at the Real Wine Fair, meeting customers and wine enthusiasts as well as chatting with like-minded winemakers from all over the World. Many thanks to the guys from Les Caves de Pyrenne for inviting us. I can recommend it to anyone interested in organic, biodynamic and naturally made wines. Fascinating and fun.

Our 2009 Limney Estate sparkling wine has been chosen by Claridges for their new restaurant "Fera" run by Simon Rogan. I was especially pleased to see the wine list includes so many wines that I admire, putting us in the company of the best. As we go through the year I hope we will be able to see our wines in several more new shops and restaurants - I'll let you know.

Also, look out for the Telegraph on Saturday 24th May because Hamish Anderson is promising to include the 2013 Horsmonden dry white in his article.