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P H I L O S O P H Y
Our practice of careful observation begins in the vineyard and continues in the winery. We work with nature, and offer only minimal interference with natural processes.
Utilizing wild ferments and intervening as little as possible, we let the grapes fully express themselves as they transmute into wine.
E N V I R O N M E N T
The Margaret River region, in the southwest corner of Australia, is a biodiversity paradise.
Our farm is located on rich bushland connecting to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which extends down to the edge of the Indian Ocean. We work within the sound of the sea whose influence on the grapes is tangible. Cooling maritime breezes mitigate warm daytime temperatures, allowing our grapes to ripen slowly and to gather flavor.
Animals of all kinds live in or visit the vines. Our practices consciously integrate the wild into what we cultivate. Everything we do is interrelated with the cycles of nature.
B I O D Y N A M I C
The biodynamic approach considers the whole farm as an integrated, living system, with its foundation in the soil.
A healthy soil retains moisture, is nutrient rich and alive with beneficial organisms supporting the vitality of the plants. We use homeopathic preparations, fish and seaweed emulsions, biodynamic composts, rock dusts, mulches and cover crops.
Each vine is the purest expression of its particular variety. Because our grapes are grown on their own roots, developed from cuttings of the finest specimens available in our region, they have varietal purity and natural vigor.
The vines are dry-farmed and never irrigated. They have found their own water and have thrown down deep roots. Self sufficient and deeply connected to the seasonal water cycles and natural processes inherent to our area, the vines are integrated expressions of this bio-diverse place.
W I L D V I G O R
Utilizing wild ferments and intervening as little as possible, we let the grapes fully express themselves.
We prune and trellis by hand and do not employ machinery. Our vines are on vertical shoot-positioned trellises and are closely planted in short rows. The vigor of an entire plant concentrated in a tiny space allows for a finite low volume of intensely flavored fruit. We believe this close-planted arrangement best brings out the inherent flavor of the land. We pick by hand to prevent damage to the fruit, and transport small quantities at a time to the winery to insure freshness and viability.
Our practices of careful observation, working with nature and offering only minimal interference with natural processes, begins in the vineyard and continues in the winery.
V I N T A G E T A S T I N G N O T E S
Vintage 2021
Spring temperatures were mild, and flowering and budburst were uniform. Unusually heavy rains in November gave way to fully dry conditions that persisted for most of the summer. Early February was marked with high winds and big rains followed by a period of uncharacteristic humidity. March was clear and warm and tempered by cool nights, enabling perfect ripening and flavour development in both Malbec and Cabernet.
2021 Cloudburst Cabernet
So ethereal, so red-fruited, so “moreish”, you’ll think it’s a pinot. Profoundly perfumed with plum sugar and tobacco. Intensely concentrated red berries like an electric Ribena. Sparkling pop rocks with vibrant bursts of tart, tangy hawthorn and liquorice, lithely framed by ghost tannins.
2021 Cloudburst Malbec
Another deep dive into the finesse side of Malbec. Delicious dark berries and satsuma plum, tinged with seaspray, dark olives and temple spice, tightly woven in lacy tannins. A wine of great tension – mysterious, alluring and oh so delicous.
Vintage 2022
A very wet winter was followed by a cool, wet and windy spring, delaying fruit set and veraison, resulting in a later than customary harvest. Summer was very warm and dry with very even heat. However early extreme heat spikes significantly shriveled and reduced the red crop. These dry conditions produced low bunch weights and fewer, yet profoundly concentrated and flavourful grapes. However, this led to significantly diminished quantities of red wine produced.
The Chardonnay, in contrast, developed beautifully and with great intensity and was picked during five separate harvests allowing great acid retention while encouraging the development of Cloudburst’s signature generous and voluptuous popcorn flavours.
2022 Cloudburst Chardonnay
A deeply layered, richly complex and viscerally delicious wine. Saline character like a salty margarita on your lips, fresh baked brioche, grapefruit skin, yellow peach, river stone. Structured, sumptuous, textural and impossibly long.
Access to Vintage Notes is available to our Cult members here
C U R R E N T R E L E A S E S
Cabernet 2021 - $500*
Malbec 2021 - $500*
*Prices do not include GST.
For your convenience
we ship worldwide.
Due to the scarcity of our wines, previous vintages are available to our members only.
Your purchase of our current release wines, will automatically qualify you as a Cult member.
For further enquiries, email us at wineau@cloudburstwine.com or phone +61 8 6323 2333.
Vineyard tastings are by appointment only and can be booked by emailing wineau@cloudburstwine.com.