It took a long time, but it's finally gone.
Details at: http://www.winefront.com.au/news-blogs-contributions/
Seppeltsfield has been sold off ...
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Winefront Monthly
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KMP
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Ah, yes Kilikanoon. Very fond of their fortifieds! 
Seriously, does Kilikanoon have a plan for the Seppelts fortifieds? Who will be responsible for maintaining the wines already stored at Seppeltsfield and for the production of future releases, and future vintages of the 100 Year Old Para?
Putting up the money to buy Seppeltsfield is one thing, having the experience to continue the tradition is an entirely different wine game.
Mike
EDIT: Killikanoon is the principal of the newly formed Seppeltsfield Estate Trust. The Seppeltsfield Estate Trust will buy the assets. The owners of the Trust include Kilikanoon Wines, Janet Holmes àCourt, Greg Paramor and Kilikanoon’s major shareholders Nathan Waks and Bruce Baudinet. (see bottom of Kilikanoon Press Release).
Seriously, does Kilikanoon have a plan for the Seppelts fortifieds? Who will be responsible for maintaining the wines already stored at Seppeltsfield and for the production of future releases, and future vintages of the 100 Year Old Para?
Putting up the money to buy Seppeltsfield is one thing, having the experience to continue the tradition is an entirely different wine game.
Mike
EDIT: Killikanoon is the principal of the newly formed Seppeltsfield Estate Trust. The Seppeltsfield Estate Trust will buy the assets. The owners of the Trust include Kilikanoon Wines, Janet Holmes àCourt, Greg Paramor and Kilikanoon’s major shareholders Nathan Waks and Bruce Baudinet. (see bottom of Kilikanoon Press Release).
Great article Campbell - thanks for the news.
A bit was talked about the future sale at the fortified tasting at Magill Estate a couple of months ago - at that stage Fosters had weeded through the many sources of interest (rejecting many expecting to pick it up at a bargain basement price) until they were at the stage of negotiating with a party who would look after its future (or so they/we were told).
At that stage someone asked James Godfrey if he was going to be part of the sale, and he said for all practical purposes he couldn't be involved and had to be (probably rightly) excluded from the process.
All this brings up many questions about the surprise buyer and their intentions - are they planning to keep James and the existing crew, or bring in a whole new bunch of people to manage Seppeltsfield?
Kilikanoon have recently expanded their range to include wines/blends from the Barossa and McLaren Vale, so how many of the vineyard resources (Shiraz/Grenache) currently used for the Paras could potentially be used instead for these other wines? (there has already been a precident in the 2002 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Grenache being sourced from there, and the disappearence of the Dorrien - probably into Bin 389).
While I also wonder if Kilikanoon has the resources and experience to maintain and promote Seppeltsfield, one possible major advantage it could have is its export record. For years we've been told how unique and rare these fortifieds are and how lucky they haven't been discovered and pursued overseas to drive up the price - if Kilikanoon are serious, with good promotion/marketing it may actually happen now.
We'll wait and watch and all hope for the best.
Cheers,
Ian
KMP wrote:Ah, yes Kilikanoon. Very fond of their fortifieds!
Seriously, does Kilikanoon have a plan for the Seppelts fortifieds? Who will be responsible for maintaining the wines already stored at Seppeltsfield and for the production of future releases, and future vintages of the 100 Year Old Para?
Putting up the money to buy Seppeltsfield is one thing, having the experience to continue the tradition is an entirely different wine game.
Mike
A bit was talked about the future sale at the fortified tasting at Magill Estate a couple of months ago - at that stage Fosters had weeded through the many sources of interest (rejecting many expecting to pick it up at a bargain basement price) until they were at the stage of negotiating with a party who would look after its future (or so they/we were told).
At that stage someone asked James Godfrey if he was going to be part of the sale, and he said for all practical purposes he couldn't be involved and had to be (probably rightly) excluded from the process.
All this brings up many questions about the surprise buyer and their intentions - are they planning to keep James and the existing crew, or bring in a whole new bunch of people to manage Seppeltsfield?
Kilikanoon have recently expanded their range to include wines/blends from the Barossa and McLaren Vale, so how many of the vineyard resources (Shiraz/Grenache) currently used for the Paras could potentially be used instead for these other wines? (there has already been a precident in the 2002 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Grenache being sourced from there, and the disappearence of the Dorrien - probably into Bin 389).
While I also wonder if Kilikanoon has the resources and experience to maintain and promote Seppeltsfield, one possible major advantage it could have is its export record. For years we've been told how unique and rare these fortifieds are and how lucky they haven't been discovered and pursued overseas to drive up the price - if Kilikanoon are serious, with good promotion/marketing it may actually happen now.
We'll wait and watch and all hope for the best.
Cheers,
Ian
Forget about goodness and mercy, they're gone.
Here are all the answer to all the questions. I have just finished an extensive interview with Nathan Waks, the CEO of the Trust that is buying Seppeltsfield.
A New Beginning for an Historic Icon
A New Beginning for an Historic Icon
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KMP
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Have not read Ric's article yet, but Ian's concerns about marketing would certainly be close to the top of my list. Seppelt's has not had any exposure here in the USA for some time - even though they list a suplier/distributor over here.
I don't know that the US market would absorb a lot of the Seppelts/Kilikanoon fortifieds, but I'm sure that there would be small but loyal market. Its perhaps unfortunate that Aussie fortifieds don't receive the same interest as the dry wines - even though critics like Parker give them the sort of scores that should drive consumer interest.
One point of good news Nathan Waks posted on Shiraz the following:- Happy to answer any questions about the Seppeltsfield sale, and particularly the future. To begin, we can assure you that the wines will continue to be made by James Godfrey ,who has been making them for 30 years.... That is an excellent piece of news.
Mike
I don't know that the US market would absorb a lot of the Seppelts/Kilikanoon fortifieds, but I'm sure that there would be small but loyal market. Its perhaps unfortunate that Aussie fortifieds don't receive the same interest as the dry wines - even though critics like Parker give them the sort of scores that should drive consumer interest.
One point of good news Nathan Waks posted on Shiraz the following:- Happy to answer any questions about the Seppeltsfield sale, and particularly the future. To begin, we can assure you that the wines will continue to be made by James Godfrey ,who has been making them for 30 years.... That is an excellent piece of news.
Mike
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nathanwaks
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Seppeltsfield
Dear All Seppeltsfield fortified lovers!
Just want you all to know that I am happy to talk to anyone anytime about our plans for the brand and the estate.
We believe that at Kilikanoon we have the expertise and boutique brand experience necessary to revitalise the Seppeltsfield brand.
As far as the quality of the wines is concerned, rest assured that there are no changes in prospect as James Godfrey will continue to make the wines as he has done for the last 29 years. Indeed, we plan to employ one or more (young?) winemakers to learn the great art of fortified from James, to ensure that the tradition is carried on....
Regards
Nathan Waks
CEO Kilikanoon
Just want you all to know that I am happy to talk to anyone anytime about our plans for the brand and the estate.
We believe that at Kilikanoon we have the expertise and boutique brand experience necessary to revitalise the Seppeltsfield brand.
As far as the quality of the wines is concerned, rest assured that there are no changes in prospect as James Godfrey will continue to make the wines as he has done for the last 29 years. Indeed, we plan to employ one or more (young?) winemakers to learn the great art of fortified from James, to ensure that the tradition is carried on....
Regards
Nathan Waks
CEO Kilikanoon
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KMP
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Nathan, really great to see you posting here.
For those who may be a little skeptical Nathan does mean it when he says he’s willing "to talk to anyone anytime about our plans for the brand and the estate." He even talked (in cyberspace) to me! Shiraz will post his answers to my 10 questions later this evening (California time).
There are very few places in the Australian wine scene where a discussion of the future of Seppeltsfield and its wines can take place, especially with a member of the Seppeltsfield Estate Trust willing to contribute. If you have any questions, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please post it. And all you lurkers who enjoy a tipple of fortified wine, how about coming out of the shadows and showing Nathan how much you support his brave endeavor and the fortified wine industry in general.
Mike
For those who may be a little skeptical Nathan does mean it when he says he’s willing "to talk to anyone anytime about our plans for the brand and the estate." He even talked (in cyberspace) to me! Shiraz will post his answers to my 10 questions later this evening (California time).
There are very few places in the Australian wine scene where a discussion of the future of Seppeltsfield and its wines can take place, especially with a member of the Seppeltsfield Estate Trust willing to contribute. If you have any questions, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please post it. And all you lurkers who enjoy a tipple of fortified wine, how about coming out of the shadows and showing Nathan how much you support his brave endeavor and the fortified wine industry in general.
Mike
I think it's wonderful that it's in the hands of people who appear to have the interests of the estate at heart. Of course a wine company has to make money to survive, but Seppeltsfield is a jewel in the crown, and to come into ownership of these great heritage stocks of wine is a little like owning a great eighteenth century cello. It comes with a past; for a while - perhaps even your lifetime - it's yours to make a contribution to, and then it will pass to another. Try and view your actions from 50 years in tha past as well as 50 years in the future.
I expect Mr Godfrey has that attitude very much; I am hopeful that in Nathan and his team he will find like-minded travellers.
All the best,
Graeme
I expect Mr Godfrey has that attitude very much; I am hopeful that in Nathan and his team he will find like-minded travellers.
All the best,
Graeme
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nathanwaks
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Seppeltsfield
Hi Graeme
Was that an in joke, about the C 18 cello?
For anyone who's interested, my other life is as Principal Cello with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and I do indeed own a wonderful 1723 David Tecchler (Roma despite the German sounding name) cello....
Nathan
Was that an in joke, about the C 18 cello?
For anyone who's interested, my other life is as Principal Cello with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and I do indeed own a wonderful 1723 David Tecchler (Roma despite the German sounding name) cello....
Nathan
Whilst only time will tell if this is indeed a positive move for Seppeltsfield and its new owners I do take my hat off to Nathan et al for getting on the front foot and taking a pro-active approach to answering questions and easing concerns.
I think there are huge opportunities ahead for them. Many seem to think that the fortified market is in an irreversible decline, but their is a distinction to be made. The market for quality fortifieds is indeed growing, and the fact that export markets for Seppelt fortifieds are largely unexplored must be exciting.
The fortified market has some exciting times ahead with the roll-out of the Muscat of Rutherglen groups four tiered fortified classification nationwide, and the re-launch of Tokay and Sherry style wines with new names...and now new brooms at Seppeltsfiled that will hopefully market their fortifieds with a deal more compassion than their pre-decessors.
Cheers,
LL
I think there are huge opportunities ahead for them. Many seem to think that the fortified market is in an irreversible decline, but their is a distinction to be made. The market for quality fortifieds is indeed growing, and the fact that export markets for Seppelt fortifieds are largely unexplored must be exciting.
The fortified market has some exciting times ahead with the roll-out of the Muscat of Rutherglen groups four tiered fortified classification nationwide, and the re-launch of Tokay and Sherry style wines with new names...and now new brooms at Seppeltsfiled that will hopefully market their fortifieds with a deal more compassion than their pre-decessors.
Cheers,
LL
Re: Seppeltsfield
nathanwaks wrote:Hi Graeme
Was that an in joke, about the C 18 cello?
For anyone who's interested, my other life is as Principal Cello with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and I do indeed own a wonderful 1723 David Tecchler (Roma despite the German sounding name) cello....
Nathan
I've been in your audience for many years (until just recently); it just struck me that there was much that is similar between an institution like Seppeltsfield and a great instrument. That Bruno Seppelt would lie down a barrel of finest tawny to be kept for a hundred years - a act not justifiable on logical, commercial or strategic grounds - is evidence of a concern for future generations that seems all too rare these days. The act benefited him little, but many years later we thank him for such a deed. Great instrument makers perhaps think the same way; certainly composers must - who did Bach write those Cello suites for if not all posterity?
I hope this venture will pay its way - yet I pray that that does not become its raison d'etre.
cheers,
Graeme
Hi Nathan,
Congratulations on the purchase - I wish you guys all the best. It's great to see you enthusiastically replying so soon on the forums with the eager willingness to answer any questions to do with Seppeltsfield - thank you very much. If this is an indicator of the enthusiasm towards the job ahead, it's very a encouraging sign that things could be on the move up.
It's fantastic to hear James Godfrey will continue to be the Custodian of the treasure chest of fortifieds there, and the ambitious developments that's planned.
On that matter, can I ask if these large-scale proposals (the Seppeltfield village & festival, re-operation of the old gravity-fed winery, etc) set in stone to happen to some sort of timetable, or will they be dependent on generating/maintaining a level of increased funds (through additional exports/sales, capital or otherwise) to support them getting off the ground?
Cheers,
Ian
Congratulations on the purchase - I wish you guys all the best. It's great to see you enthusiastically replying so soon on the forums with the eager willingness to answer any questions to do with Seppeltsfield - thank you very much. If this is an indicator of the enthusiasm towards the job ahead, it's very a encouraging sign that things could be on the move up.
It's fantastic to hear James Godfrey will continue to be the Custodian of the treasure chest of fortifieds there, and the ambitious developments that's planned.
On that matter, can I ask if these large-scale proposals (the Seppeltfield village & festival, re-operation of the old gravity-fed winery, etc) set in stone to happen to some sort of timetable, or will they be dependent on generating/maintaining a level of increased funds (through additional exports/sales, capital or otherwise) to support them getting off the ground?
Cheers,
Ian
Forget about goodness and mercy, they're gone.
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nathanwaks
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Seppeltsfield
n4sir wrote:Hi Nathan,
Congratulations on the purchase - I wish you guys all the best. It's great to see you enthusiastically replying so soon on the forums with the eager willingness to answer any questions to do with Seppeltsfield - thank you very much. If this is an indicator of the enthusiasm towards the job ahead, it's very a encouraging sign that things could be on the move up.
It's fantastic to hear James Godfrey will continue to be the Custodian of the treasure chest of fortifieds there, and the ambitious developments that's planned.
On that matter, can I ask if these large-scale proposals (the Seppeltfield village & festival, re-operation of the old gravity-fed winery, etc) set in stone to happen to some sort of timetable, or will they be dependent on generating/maintaining a level of increased funds (through additional exports/sales, capital or otherwise) to support them getting off the ground?
Cheers,
Ian
Sorry thought I'd answered this one..
We hope to make some things happen rather quickly-the gravity-fed winery is a high priority- we would like it operational for the coming 2008 vintage, albeit on a modest scale- to make hand crafted minimal intervention wines, both still and fortified.
The festival will depend a bit more on others- I'll play the cello but need some help with organisation- my colleague and Kilikanoon partner, violinist John Harding will be instrumental (!) in this...
Other actvities will probably be more economic dependent- the vision is to revitalise the village- at its height 150 people worked on site... some activities which were there once and whch could come again include-
cooperage, distillery, vinegar factory, smokehouse; and there is a large fan group of the once famous Raspberry Cordial which we certainly intend to try and make again!
Nathan
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cuttlefish
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cuttlefish
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