Scotsdale Vineyard
The Howard Park Scotsdale property was purchased in 2004. It is located at the foot hills of the ancient Porongurup range and at 200 to 380 metres above sea level it is among the highest vineyard sites in Western Australia. The land, previously run as a pastoral property, was purchased by Jeff Burch with the vision to establish a super premium cool climate vineyard for Howard Park.
The soils range from deep gravelly loams over light to medium clay with occasional granite outcrops on upper slopes, to loamy sands on mid-slopes and sands in the outwash of shallow gullies on lower slopes.
The elevated site has impressive views across the planes to Albany. The elevation assists with temperature moderation and also in capturing the infrequent rains of the region.
The vineyard development has been managed by the meticulous David Botting with initial plantings occurring in the Spring of 2005. The 2006 planting season however was not progressed as unfortunately the rains avoided the region. Further plantings are scheduled for Spring 2007 with the first crops expected for vintage 2008.
“We have taken every opportunity to get the new Scotsdale plantings right, particularly in terms of aspect, soil type and grapevine clone. The new plantings of Riesling especially have been placed on elevated sites with moderate soil fertility and relatively low water holding capacity. We have very high expectations of grape quality from this variety at Scotsdale along with that from the Sauvignon Blanc and the multiple clones of Chardonnay already planted.” David Botting.
The Scotsdale project promises much excitement and reward for years to follow.
Location: 34o 38’ 11.28” South / 117o 43’ 34.68” East
SCOTSDALE VINEYARD PLANTINGS
Total Area Under Vine: 41 hectares
- Chardonnay: 20.1 hectares / 49.69 acres
- Riesling: 7.3 hectares / 18.04 acres
- Sauvignon Blanc: 9.6 hectares / 23.72 acres
- Pinot Noir: 4.0 hectares / 9.88 acres
Future Plantings
- Riesling: 8.3 hectares / 20.51 acres
- Sauvignon Blanc: 3.0 hectares / 7.41 acres
- Pinot Noir: 3.7 hectares / 9.14 acres
