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Dear Wineclub Member
It seems Christmas and New Year came and went in the blink of an eye and suddenly it's February already.
Since the end of the holiday season there has been lots of activity at Sandalford's Swan Valley and Margaret River Estates. Plenty of tourists and holiday makers from interstate and overseas, and of course many local Western Australian's out and about too.
In late January saw the beginning of a new Vintage with the first harvest taking place (see the comments below about this from our Chief Winemaker Paul Boulden).
Of course there was also that absolutely mesmerizing concert performance by Sting with the fifty piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on Saturday January 22 (click on the link below for all the reviews, photos, and youtube footage from that fantastic concert). I was privileged to attend that show along with three of my Margaret River based team.
I brought forward the release of this newsletter from the normal mid month time frame so to coincide with a major announcement this morning that legendary Australian entertainer, John Butler, will perform as support for SANTANA on Sunday March 13, 2011 (see below for all the details).
Of course prior to the Santana concert, many of you will be attending one of the three shows Michael Buble is performing over the Labour Day long weekend (March 4-6, 2011) including the first ever concert held at Sandalford Estate, Margaret River.
The Friday night concert has long been a sell out, and there are now only a few tickets remaining to the other two shows which are being held over the following nights. We are expecting 'Mr Buble' will perform three sold out events, meaning around 36,000 people will have the 'Sandalford Experience' that weekend. It's certainly going to be an amazing few days and one all at Sandalford and our promoter partners (Dainty Consolidated Entertainment and Zaccaria Events Presents) are really looking forward to.
Concert talk aside, I have as customary put together some absolutely super value wine specials which are available through to the end of February exclusively to Sandalford Wineclub members.
One of my absolutely favourite wines in all the world is the 2008 Sandalford Estate Reserve Chardonnay – it is absolutely spectacular for immediate drinking or long term cellaring, and this month is available at price around half the normal retail value.
On a final note please don't forget the St Valentines Day Dinner in the Restaurant at Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley on Monday February 14. Executive Chef Phil Thomas and his team have developed a fantastic menu, and those attending can expect an intimate and romantic evening in a beautiful setting.
Until next month best wishes and have a fantastic February!!
Ps – our CEO Grant Brinklow asked me to include mention here that Sandalford's Chief Winemaker Paul Boulden today celebrates 10 years since he joined Sandalford Wines!!! During Paul's tenure with the company, the quality and reputation of Sandalford's wine portfolio has moved forward exponentially which was aptly summed up by Australia's leading wine critic James Halliday who in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion said: “With Winemaker Paul Boulden in charge it is no surprise that the quality of the wines is consistently excellent.' A massive congratulations and well done to you Paul on behalf of everybody at Sandalford and all the Wineclub members!!!!
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Kind Regards,
Bec Eaton
Wine Club Manager
Cellar Door Manager
Margaret River Estate
bec.eaton@sandalford.com
Ph.: 08 9755 6213
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Australian Music Legend John Butler Announced As Very Special Guest For Santana’s Perth Concert!
Zaccaria Events in conjunction with Chugg Entertainment and Sandalford Wines are excited to announce that multi award winning singer/guitarist JOHN BUTLER will be the very special guest for the Perth show of guitar legend SANTANA when he returns to Australia in concert with his Guitar Heaven Tour! John Butler will perform a solo set at approximately 6pm at the Sandalford concert. SANTANA will be kicking off his Australian and New Zealand Guitar Heaven Tour on Sunday 13th March at the Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley.
Toting a style that defies definition, immediately recognizable yet unlike any other, Santana's fusion of Latin rock, blues, soul and jazz comes in full swing on stage in a way that transcends time and the limits of genre typecasting.
There are few artists of this calibre, and fewer opportunities to see them live. Don't miss the chance to see one of the most enduring guitar legends in March 2011! Guitar Heaven, Santana's Latest Album - In stores Now!
Go to the following for details of the original concert announcement:
http://www.sandalford.com/newsletter/November_2010_Santana/ or our website for more information http://www.sandalford.com/santana-guitar-heaven-2011.htm
To order tickets contact TICKETEK at either http://premier.ticketek.com.au/ or tel 132 849
Click here to hear / download the radio advert for this exciting event. MP3 - 1.3mb
Please click on the below thumbnails to view the YouTube Videos
Review of Sting's performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Sandalford Estate on Saturday January 22, 2011
The Weekend West Australian,
By Stephen Scourfield
Saturday, 29 January 2011
There were many "travel" components to the Sting concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Sandalford Winery in Caversham last Saturday.
Sting's songs draw from many cultural influences Islamic to American country and western, to the deep, dark tones of Russian classical musical, to traditional English ballads. An aural tour of the world.
But there was also a little worldly insight from the songwriter, who not only talked about an uncle migrating from England to Perth, but said that his father (who stayed home and became a milkman) once took him to the shipyards in Newcastle, where he grew up, and told him that when he was old enough, he should go to sea.
He now sees that as meaning
"See the world and live an exciting life". Sting said: "Eventually I did get my sea ticket. I was a singer on a cruise ship."
Sandalford is a consistently awarded tourism venue for the past three years it has won the wine tourism category of the WA Tourism Awards. And, at a time when there is plenty of discussion about events in tourism in WA, Sandalford on Saturday night proved itself the master of staging an excellent event for 12,000 people. From arrival to parking to picnicking to partying to the not unreasonable queue back out, it. was a seamlesslv run event.
How wonderful to be in Western Australia on a lovely balmy evening, as Sting himself had said. (Here’s a tip Sandalford’s corporate-group "Wine Maker for a Day", where guests go behind the scenes and get to blend their own wine is excellent.) www.sandalford.com
Funds raised at Sting concert for flood victims
Zaccaria Events and Sandalford Wines are pleased to announce that over $23,000 was raisedat the recent STING concert on Saturday January 22nd, 2011, at Sandalford Estate Swan Valley, to help the flood victims of Queensland and WA.
The concert organisers enlisted volunteers who walked throughout the concert site and collected donations from concert goers as they entered the venue and got settled.
"The patrons were extremely generous, and more than happy to contribute a few dollars, and in some cases, large sums like $50 or $100, which was fantastic", says Sandalford Wines CEO Grant Brinklow. "The atmosphere at the concert was awesome, and people were in great spirits, but clearly the recent flooding in Queensland and Carnarvon had an impact on many people who attended the show and they wanted to do their bit to help out."
Also, a guitar signed by Sting on the night, was auctioned at a post show VIP function held on the Sandalford Merlot Lawn, and raised over $17,000.
"The bidding was pretty furious", says Zaccaria Events Managing Director, John Zaccaria. “It was a unique opportunity to raise a lot of money in a short space of time, and Sting was more than happy to sign the guitar. He has been very supportive of the fundraising efforts in Australia."
The funds will be donated to the associated appeals for the Queensland and Carnarvon floods.
Concert Stage at Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley
The Concert Stage took 3 days, 4 cranes and 35 men to construct. It is one of the biggest outdoor stages in the world. Prior to its installation at Sandalford this stage was used for the MUSE concert at Bassendean Oval in December 2010. This stage at Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley will remain intact until the end of Sandalford's 2010/11 concert season. An indentical separate stage will be constructed shortly at our Margaret River vineyard ahead of the upcoming Michael Buble concert on Sunday March 6.
Click Here to Watch the time lapse footage (youtube) of the stage being constructed at Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley
Functions at Sandalford Wines
Did you know that alongside our Concert Series, Restaurant and Cellar Door, Sandalford is also a Premium Corporate Conference and Banqueting Venue?
Click here to read or lastest functions newsflash.
Barry Manilow Concert Postponement
Due to unforeseen circumstances the concert dates originally planned for April have been postponed.
Future plans are presently under discussion and will be released when they are finalized.
Refunds will be available from the point of purchase or ticket holders can hold on to them until the new dates are confirmed.
Michael Buble - Radio Interview
Click here to listen to Michael Buble talking recently with Fred, Lisa and Captain Paul about his upcoming performances at Sandalford
What did the Wine Critics say?
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2010 Sandalford Element Chardonnay
A Sandalford Chardonnay was the value chardonnay highlight of the past month. This time, it is the 2010 Sandalford Element Chardonnay and this year it is from 40-year-old Margaret River vines. In a one-off, Sandalford has used fruit for this Element Range that is usually set aside for its premium chardonnay labels, and the impact on quality is striking. It is very young but still delicious drinking now, and fresh, dry and fruity without too much astringent oak to help it develop over some years. The wine making too, is impeccable. One of the few reasonably-priced chardonnays that you can taste the varietal chardonnay flavours and this has to be very close to the finest available at under $15. Perfect summer drinking for either yourselves or your older children.
17 points. RRP $16.50 but widely available at about $12.90, and occasionally less than that.
John Jens – Western Suburbs Weekly 4/1/2011
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2010 Sandalford Margaret River Range Rose
Crank up the barbecue, throw on
the prawns and open a bottle of
this for a perfect Sunday afternoon
Ripe raspberry flavours that don't
overpower a lovely fresh wine.
RATING: 88/100 RRP: $18.99. Peter Chapman - Fraser Coast Chronicle 26/01/2011
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Sandalford Element Classic
White 2010
$11-$13
THE grape varieties in this white are a
fruit salad of West Australian
favourites: verdelho, chenin blanc,
semillon, sauvignon blanc and
chardonnay. In keeping with the theme
tropical fruit-salad aromas mark the
nose, along with a grassy touch in the
mouth. It is built along satisfying lines,
with ripe fruit, a plump texture and a
dry finish. (11.5 per cent alcohol;
screw cap.)
Ageing? No.
Food ideas Mee goreng; prawns.
Ralph Kyte-Powell – The Age, 1/2/11
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2007 Sandalford Estate Reserve Shiraz
It's not the cheapest label on the market, but when you want quailty it's the way to go. The Shiraz mizes it with the best. Smooth with nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and blackberry flavors. Rating: 91/100 RRP $33.95. Peter Chapman – Bundaberg News 8/1/2011
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2009 Sandalford Estate Reserve Chardonnay
There is something special about drinking a dreat chardonnay. The hallmarks of this beauty are power and finesse with distinctive savory edge. Paul Boulden, the chief winemaker from Sandalford suggests you could put this drop down for 10 years and it would be even better. I suggest drink it now it's a wonderful wine. Rating: 91/100 RRP $26.95. Peter Chapman - Coffs Harbour Advocate 26/11/2010
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Super Value Wine Specials available exclusively to Wineclub member in February 2011
- Free delivery to all capital city addresses -
Click here to order these great specials
Message from Sandalford Executive Chef Phil Thomas
Hello all,
With the craziness of another festive season swiftly disappearing in the rear view mirror, we turn the hourglass and focus firmly on a hectic, yet exciting first quarter to 2011.
The significant extension to our kitchen is now complete and we welcome the arrival of Ben Sidebotham to the kitchen brigade in the capacity of Sous Chef. With a host of experience in the Whitsundays and resorts such as Ayres Rock, Ben brings with him a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to help me continually improve our offering.
The Sting concert in January was a major success on so many levels, however most importantly from my perspective was the overwhelming amount of positive feedback that I received from the 750 guests we catered for at the VIP cocktail function. It was certainly a fantastic evening! Check out the abovementioned for photos and reviews.
Next on our agenda is to spoil couples on Valentines evening in our restaurant with a specially designed menu and a romantic night to remember! If you haven't booked as yet you'd better act quickly as there are seriously limited tables available. See the website for menu and details. If you would prefer, we will of course be offering our a la carte menu for lunch as usual (http://www.sandalford.com/newsletter/January_2011_Valentines/ )
Fast forward to early March and we have the much anticipated arrival of Mr Michael Buble' to Sandalford! A massive three concerts over three days with the grand finale' being the inaugural concert at our estate in Margaret River. We will play host to some 36,000 people over three days and cater for around 3000 VIP's! Our entire team is striving to deliver a world class offering never before seen in Western Australia and we would love for you to be a part of it. I hope to see you there!
Closer to home in the Restaurant you will notice some minor changes as we strive to perfect our offering and again focus on winning consecutive Gold Plates and another Restaurant and Catering Institute Award for Excellence in 2011. If you still haven't tried the summer menu then hopefully we will see you soon for a relaxing day in The Swan Valley while the weather is still brilliant!
Culinary Regards,
Phil
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The Sandalford Restaurant – Open for lunch 7 days a week
"Perth's oldest family owned winery offers an experience that is at the sleeker end of the scale..."- Matt Preston "Delicious" October 2009
"I found a 21-gun salute return to the epicurean world in the dining room at Sandalford... I thought I had died and gone to heaven" - Gail Williams "STM Magazine in the Sunday Times" August 2010
"(Chef Phil Thomas is) wrapping all that experience into precisely cooked and well-presented food." - Paul Murray "The West Australian Good Food Guide 2011"
"Sandalford's kitchen has a good reputation" – Rob Broadfield "The West Australian" December 2010
Gold Plate Award Winner
2008 – Best Restaurant Within A Winery (City/Metro)
2009 - Best Tourist Restaurant (Perth/Surrounds)
2010 – Best Restaurant Within A Winery (City/Metro)
2010 – Best Tourist Restaurant (Perth/Surrounds)
RCIA Awards For Excellence Winner
2010 – Best Restaurant Within A Winery (Western Australia)
Click here to downlaod the menu PDF
Call (08) 9374 9301 or email Johnny.Kyi@sandalford.com to make a booking
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Vintage 2011 Message from Sandalford Chief Winemaker Paul Boulden
Western Australia has once again been blessed with ideal growing conditions for this year's harvest. Although very warm, we have actually seen two of the wettest months during December and January for some years. This is by Perth and Margaret River standards however so the rains have given us some much needed soil moisture and health to the ripening berries without the extreme flooding episodes so prevalent on the eastern seaboard this year. Disease pressure has been high but no major outbreaks have occurred. Here we have been aided by hot, windy weather between rain episodes.
In light of the above we are experiencing one of our earliest vintages on record, even more so than the 2007 vintage. We commenced picking in the Swan Valley with Verdelho, Chenin Blanc and Semillon on the night of Australia Day, 26 January and as of today we have our first two ferments from this fruit. These ferments are destined to become Element Late Harvest which has risen in popularity these last few years with a medium sweet palate and plenty of fruit salad aromas and flavours. The low alcohol content has also been a big plus for this wine. I expect this wine to be bottled early April and it will become our first release for the year.
We are sampling our Margaret River whites this week and I fully expect Chardonnay and Verdelho from there to commence harvesting in the week beginning 7 February. More details about this in the next newsletter.
Back to the ferments!
Regards,
Paul
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The New Zealand Screwcap Wine Seal Initiative - Ten Years On
As we peruse today's crowded wine shelves, it is difficult to ignore the proliferation of screwcaps. With over 90% of New Zealand wine now sealed this way, the eradication of cork and other closures in the local wine industry is on the horizon. The impetus for change arose from the New Zealand Screwcap Wine Seal Initiative established in early 2001.
New Zealand isn't alone, with global interest in screwcaps also expanding rapidly in the last ten years with wine producers, wine trade and wine consumers unable to disregard the compelling research confirming them as the superior wine closure. Of the seven billion wine bottles sealed worldwide each year, it is suggested the number using screwcaps has grown from an estimated 100 million ten years ago to almost three billion this year. While traditionalists may still be reluctant to embrace them, there is now plenty of scientific evidence that indicates money spent on wine sealed with anything but a screwcap is a game of risk...
Click here to read the full article
Sandalford's 2010-11 Concert Series
Other past events in the 2010/11 Sandalford Wines Concert Series
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POLO in the Valley 2011
It's on again – Polo in the Valley 2011. After the great success of our inaugural event, Polo in the Valley is being held
at Duncraig Stud in the Swan Valley, the privately owned Estate of
Sandalford's Proprietors the Prendiville Family on April 17, 2011. Again the event will be supporting Youth Focus. Click here to download a flyer providing you with full details, so mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing you there.
http://polointhevalley.com.au/
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News from one of Sandalford's 'sister companies' in the Prendiville Group – Hotel Rottnest www.hotelrottnest.com.au
The January sun glints off the turquoise ocean and seagulls screech and swoop as boats bob gently in Thomson Bay. Yet another red and white ferry eases away from the jetty, bound for the mainland, packed with those who wish they could stay a little longer.
Click here to read the full article
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