The future looks bright for Jacob's Creek

Published: 27 May, 2010

Bernard Hickin has predicted that 2010 will be an outstanding vintage for Jacob's Creek.

The Australian brand's chief winemaker said that after several years of oversupply the Aussie wine industry had been actively managing its vineyards to reduce yields.

And this year nature played its part in reducing the size of the vintage to a three-year low.

Hickin said: "Volumes were down by around 20% on the long-term average. This has assisted us to get closer alignment between supply and demand, which has been an issue for the Australian wine industry for the past few years.

"As far as key white varietals were concerned, Chardonnay was down around 15% which can be attributed to a hot November followed by a cool growing season - this led to smaller than usual berry and bunch size.

"Quality is up, in fact this is one of the best years for Chardonnay that we have seen for some time."

And exceptional fruit from Steingarten vineyard, Barossa floor and Eden Valley has produced a quality Riesling, the first variety planted by Jacob's Creek founder Johann Gramp back in 1847, according to Hickin, who has taken over as chief winemaker from Philip Laffer who is retiring after 20 years with the brand.

Hickin said: "Although Shiraz crops were down 10-20% depending on the region, late rains helped to keep the vines fresh ensuring 2010 will be a vintage that will be remembered for its overall quality."

Earlier this month Jacob's Creek was awarded one Great Gold, six Gold and two Silver medals at the 2010 Concours Mondial Bruxelles and three Gold, five Silver and four Bronze at the 2010 Taster Guild wine competition in the USA.

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