Lake’s Folly was the first new vineyard in the Hunter Valley last century, established by Max Lake and his family in 1963. Fifty years on, the tradition continues, with the first boutique winery in Australia making two flagship wines, a red (Cabernet blend) and a white (100% Chardonnay), using all estate grown fruit.
Hunter Valley Accommodation. Check Availability at The Vintry
The property changed hands in early 2000 to Peter Fogarty and his family who, along with local Hunter winemaker Rod Kempe, have continued to maintain the integrity and direction of the Folly.
With a total production of around 4,500 cases, less then a quarter is Chardonnay. The most important aspect is great fruit and attention to detail from vineyard to bottle.
In the vineyard, quality is derived primarily from the terroir. The old vines, now well and truly self regulated to produce low cropping high quality fruit, are well established and give consistency even in difficult years.
The winemaking aspect is very simple. Hand picking, gentle crushing and traditional open fermentation for the reds, barrel fermentation and extended yeast lees contact for the Chardonnay. Judicious use of French oak, small barrel maturation for both, hand bottling and that’s it, no more, no less.
Incredibly lifted nose – black cherries and chocolate, and hints of plums. The palate is rich, soft and silky with perfect soft tannins even at this stage. Fruit dominant palate of delicious black cherries, plums and hints of cigar box and slight earthiness. Oak is supportive but not apparent. An outstanding vintage that will rank amongst the greatest Cabernets made here.
Lakes Folly
Address 2416 Broke Road Pokolbin NSW 2320
Telephone 02 49987507
Open Daily 10am to 4pm when wines are available
Visit Lakes Folly Online
