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Viticulture & winemaking
Organic producers: doing
amazing things with wine
FROGMORE CREEK VINEYARD
With frogs generally credited as being the barometers of environmental health, the name Frogmore Creek seemed to Tony
Scherer to harmonize with his plan for his vineyard at Coal River Valley, Tasmania. That plan was to leave it in a better
state than he found it. Farming organically is common sense to Scherer. It is working with the microbial living beings that are meant to be
there. Weeds aren’t a bother because once the vines are established there is a symbiotic relationship in operation.
“We slash the weeds for green manuring, which provides the bulk of the organics that go into the soil,” Scherer says.
“We work with the soil food web to create the best soil to feed our vines and grapes. We pay a lot of attention to soil
health and plant health, and we do a lot of monitoring because we don’t have the quick-fix of rescue chemistry.”
As a result of this approach, the native vegetation surrounding the vineyard is creating a better habitat for local
fauna and improved management of water resources has seen frog species increase from just one to three. “Frogs are not just
a symbol,” says Scherer, “they’re a sign that we’re doing things right.”
Frogmore Creek last year earned top honors in the local arena and went on to distinguish itself as the only Tasmanian
still wine to be listed in the Top 100 of Australia’s leading wine connoisseur James Halliday. In Halliday’s
Wine Companion2005, the Frogmore Creek ’02 Reserve pinot noir was awarded a stellar 96 points, a score not exceeded by any other
Australian pinot noir.
Contact: phone: (03) 6248 5844; email: linda@frogmorecreek.com.
Reviews
Frogmore Creek Pinot Noir 2003
Frogmore Creek Vineyards is situated in the Coal River Valley in Tasmania. This is a beautiful part of the world and is about 20 kms north-east of Hobart. They produce Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay; these being made by Andrew Hood.
Initially a caramel oak nose that had me worried, but a quick swirl revealed lovely aromas of red fruits, fresh tree sap, florals, red earth, and sausage. The palate is big and assertive, with maraschino cherry fruit and smoke, and a fair whack of oak, but the fruit is ripe and lush, so it doesn’t suffer for it. There is also a dob of bitterness on the finish, but nothing to worry about - don’t know why I mentioned it. I cannot see much point in cellaring this style of pinot, so drink over the next 2-3 years. I have also tried the Reserve Pinot Noir and believe it is a step up in quality, about 90 points from memory, but as always, you pay the price.
Rated : 87 PointsTasted : Feb06
Alcohol : 14.0%
Price : $33
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2006 - 2009
Source : The Wine Room (at Fridays)
Frogmore Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2006
From the Coal River Valley in Tasmania. On the nose, gooseberries and musky fruits, lemons, none of that grassy asparagus-ness. There are sweet tropical fruits on the palate, lemons and lychees, unripe pineapple, quite full bodied and different to what the nose would suggest. The finish is satisfying, drying and musky. A fine wine indeed.
Rated : 88 PointsTasted : Oct06
Alcohol : 13.0%
Price : $20ish
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2006 - 2008
Source : The Wine Room at Fridays
Frogmore Creek Cuvee Evermore 2003
I have enjoyed some of the other Frogmore Creek wines, and I was glad to have opened this one too. Just a whisper of pink blush, and a super fine bead. The nose showed biscuit and yeast, lemon brioche, and oddly also seemed a bit corky without being corked, if you know what I mean. The palate was quite full, with lemony acid, yeast, lightly pressed strawberries and biscuit. It showed some development but still had a fresh edge. Very enjoyable - drink over the short term.
Rated : 88 PointsTasted : Dec06
Alcohol : 12.5%
Price : $?
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2006 - 2008
Source : The Wine Room at Fridays
