2009 Harvest News

August 2009

There is something very comforting about the rhythm of nature and the seasons. While the olive grove slumbers through mid-winter, we are busy preparing the release of the new season’s wonderfully exciting, bright green gold Extra Virgin gently pressed oils from the 2009 harvest.

Every year has its challenges – and the past 12 months proved no exception, delivering several heavy frosts, spot hail, and in line with climatologist’s predictions, insufficient rain.
Despite this, our Tuscan origin olive varieties proved resilient and although the fruit ripened later than in previous years, the quality is consistent with the award-winning Lakelands Olives style.

There is no doubt in my mind that the cool, elevated foothills of the NSW Central Ranges near Mudgee produce prestige, intense and complex Extra Virgin oils.

Certainly, it is a view endorsed by independent international olive oil judges who for two consecutive years have selected Lakelands Olives Special Reserve among the world’s top olive oils. Produced from our carefully nurtured biodynamic organic grove near Clandulla, this complex oil was recently chosen as one of the ‘Best 12’ oils in the world and ‘Best Overseas Oil’ by the German gourmet magazine Der Feinschmecker. It was tasted in a field of 850 oils from every continent and praised for its exceptional flavour, aroma, intensity and balance.

Further endorsement of the district’s suitability for olive cultivation came at the 2008 Australian Olive Association national competition where the Agrumato method Lakelands Olives Ginger Crush was awarded the ‘Best in Class’ Trophy.

Our flagship new release Lakelands Olives Special Reserve is a testament to both the terroir of our 700-metre elevated grove and the meticulous pursuit of biodynamic and organic principles applied by our dedicated team. Characterised by intense aromatics with notes of green apple and herbs, it is a savoury balanced oil with appealing robust pungency. (RRP $17.50 250ml)

The complete Lakelands Olives portfolio of Extra Virgin oils and table olives is now available from specialist food retailers nationally including Thomas Dux and Essential Ingredients. The expanded distribution will be managed by Pukara Estate recently appointed national distributor for Lakelands Olives. The Lakelands Olives range is also available by mail order direct from the grove, our Rylstone tasting room and retail outlets in the Mudgee region.

Please try our fresh new season olive oils soon on crusty bread or drizzled liberally over roast winter vegetables, and taste its startling intensity and flavour – attributes that continue to inspire my passion for Australian olive oil.

Kind Regards,

Knut Kammann

Proprietor