A vintage interview : Auld Family Wine

Aussie Vintners: Sam, let's begin by congratulating you on the review by Decanter of the AFW Riesling 2021, and I hear that Wine Orbit gave the recent vintage 95 points.

Sam Auld: Thanks guys. Yes, we've been really pleased with the Wilberforce Riesling. We've sold out down under but think you've still got some?

AV: Shhh, we haven't started selling it yet! How has this years crop done?

Sam: Amazingly, despite it being a really tough Shiraz harvest, the fruit and yield have been great and 2025 is going to be a standout year.

AV: Of course it’s summer down under, so does that mean you’ve finished the picking?

Sam: Well, for the William Patrick we picked this vineyard first, because it tends to ripen quicker due to more UV exposure, and less contact with the sweeping gully winds. Picking whole bunch means we control the aromatics. We're really pleased with the fruit so far, some beautifully concentrated berries, which should lead to a rich wine with length and depth. We're about to do a gentle basket press and then it hits the oak to help it round out to a beautiful smooth flavour.

AV: We can't wait. Is it true that with the heat being so strong you harvest at night? Is that because your pale skin burns just looking at a picture of the sun

Sam: Haha, Yeah. Not just because of that. Actually it's especially for the Riesling. It's really key to pick it in the coolest part of the day - and recently it's been 30c even at night, so if you want the best out of the fruit you need to be out there at moonlight

AV: Well it's 10c in London so we can only dream of that heat

AV: The Common Molly was the hit at the dinner we held in January with you. How's that looking?

Sam: The Grenache is still a couple of weeks away from picking, but with 70 year old vines they had no problem getting through the drought and heat. They are as tough as nails. It'll make a great wine.

AV: What are you drinking at the moment?

Sam: As it's red hot, I've been pouring a lot of the AFW Rose between the long picking days.

AV: Finally, what is harder making a great wine, or looking after your little one?

Sam: The vines are like my babies too, but at least they stay put!

AV: Thanks for your time.