Thursday, January 20, 2011

Our First Review!

We all experience the pangs of nervousness when we put ourselves out there...those quirky moments as we wait on the opinions of peers as they assess our efforts. Tis a fact of life.

So, it was a pleasant moment when Mel and I read our first review of One Bunch Pinot. Winsor Dobbin is a wine writer with a regular column in The Sunday Examiner, as well as a freelance writer for a number of other publications. Here is his blog: http://www.winsorschoice.blogspot.com/

In early January, our wine graced the Sunday Examiner's pages:

One Bunch 2009 Pinot Noir $23

It's always exciting to see the launch of a new Tasmanian label, particularly one with as much promise as this; the first release from Gryphonwood Vineyards, whose vines are at Underwood in the Pipers River region. The wine gets is name because a poor crop meant "just one bunch" of fruit came through in 2009. The owners called on consultant winemaker Guy Wagner to create a blend and this shows immense promise. There's a good balance between fruit and savoury characters and the wine, slightly spritzy on opening, gets better and better as it opens up. It was excellent after two days – and very food friendly. A label to look out for.
Winsor Dobbin
Sunday Examiner, 9th January 2011

So thanks to Winsor for his words, and here's hoping a few more like them come our way!
Cheers,
Ben

Monday, January 10, 2011

Welcome to Gryphonwood's Blog!

Does the world need another wine blog? Probably not...
Nevertheless, here we are!


In a world of big wine companies, shifting markets and an industry under intense pressure, I think it's important to look at the smaller stuff - the small end of the trade (and it doesn't get much smaller than Tasmania!). This is still the realm of family owned businesses, where a handful of people do everything in the vineyard, and often the winery as well. This is where the heart and soul of wine is; the romance we feel about wine.


With this blog, Mel and I invite you to share with us the newest stage of our venture - coming to market with our wine!


It has taken what seems an age to get to this point...through slow growing vines in Tassie's cool conditions and monster frosts wiping out a hectare of baby vines, to co-ordinated tactical incursions by possums that consumed our vine nursery, to wasps that flew in and carried away an entire vintage. We finally have a label on the market!


Cheers!
Visit our website!