Hello from beautiful Bannockburn

As you can tell from Susie's photo, summer is starting to arrive. The season so far has been characterised by cooler than average conditions with a bit more rainfall than we're used to in these parts. However, the up-side is that we've had no major frost problems arising from the greater cloud cover. The region's vines have been slow with bud burst but are really starting to move ahead , which is keeping the team busy shoot thinning and bud rubbing.

Left: A chilly reminder of the harsh winter we've endured - that's ice on the vines after a hoar frost! Right: the genesis of grape bunches - next comes the flowering and fruit-set in early December.

Our 2006 Pinot Noirs are being released with a fantastic response from media. In particular the November issue of Cuisine has featured our consistent approach to quality noting 'the tradition of accolades for Pinot Noir'. You'll see that our more structured Akarua Pinot Noir is now known as 'Cadence'. So, when referring to our two Pinot Noirs, they are either 'Gullies' or 'Cadence'. The word 'cadence' relates to rhythms and cycles; for us the relevance is significant when we consider those patterns that Mother Nature thrusts at us on a daily, weekly or yearly basis.

We're also pleased to mention a bronze medal for our 2006 Chardonnay at the International Chardonnay Challenge along with a bronze at the Air NZ Wine Awards. While Chardonnay is not the recognised varietal for our region the team has done some great work in the past few years developing this style and it's starting to pay dividends, reinforced by comments from Cellar Door visitors.

There is a new addition to our family of wines - a Sauvignon Blanc produced with grapes from Marlborough. That region's success with this varietal has set a benchmark and the inclusion of an excellent Sauvignon Blanc also offers us an extra advantage in the global market. The wine has a bouquet of gooseberries, buttercups and freshly cut grass - typical characters that have become the hallmark of good 'savvy'; a hint of flintiness denotes its minerality. It's been extremely well received since release, especially with the onset of warm weather. Normally retailing at $19.90 as a special introductory offer we're offering this for a limited time at $15.40 a bottle.

These days we're often being asked if there are older vintages available for sale, in addition to our more recent releases. We currently have two offerings: 2003 Chardonnay and 2004 Gullies Pinot Noir. Click here for details. With Christmas on its way this is a popular gift option, especially when it's packaged in a wooden presentation box - we'll also write a small note and send it off for you - no problems.

And, for all the Rosé fans, the 2007 vintage is available. There's not much of it and it's going fast.

Finally, for all our customers who have had contact with our winemaker, Jacqueline Kemp, it's our pleasure to confirm the birth of her first baby, a wee boy named Gerry Leo. Congratulations Jacq, best wishes from us all - two vintages in one year!

Cheers!