Move over Napa Valley – there’s a new wine region that’s top of my must-visit list. Everyone seems to be heading Down Under lately for the coffee culture, but Margaret River in Western Australia offers a little something more up my street; Wine.
The older I get, the more I notice my travel itinerary change, and nothing sounds better than a winery tour right now. With over 95 cellar doors situated in this Aussie wine region however, planning this trip may take awhile.
We all need to start somewhere though, so get out that notebook, pen, cheese and crackers. Here are 10 great wines that Margaret River has to offer:
—Reds—
10. Clairault Estate – Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
The Cape Clairault vineyard boasts biologically sustainable farming practices which means better quality fruits, resulting in even better wine. And so the battle of the Cabernet Sauvignon begins.
The 2012 vintage was my favourite of the lot, with deep and vibrant flavours given its 10-month maturation in French oak barrels. If you’re a fan of earthy aromas, this wine is for you- a beautiful culmination of perfumed cedar, black forest and cloves.
Clairault Wines: 3277 Caves Road, Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia 6280 | Website
9. Cape Grace – Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Cape Grace Wines take great pride in their focus on the art of winemaking and understanding of their unique climate. The Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River isn’t called a ‘forest’ vineyard site for nothing, and their wines showcase the advantages of an ample growing season.
The production of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon was kept small at 560 dozen, so I’d grab a bottle quickly if I were you. Their version is reminiscent of a more traditional cab sav, with aromas of blackcurrant, nutmeg and cedar wood.
Cape Grace Wines: 281 Fifty One Road, Cowaramup, Western Australia 6284 | Website
8. Howard Park – Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Howard Park Wines is proud to call itself a part of Western Australia’s largest boutique family-owned winery, but can attest to never compromising on quality. I really enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc Semillon but was more intrigued by the Cabernet Sauvignon 2013.
Miamup lies between Cowaramup and Wilyabrup and so this particular variety is grown in one of the best Cabernet growing soils in the area. With an aroma of black olive, bay leaf and dried herbs, I’d say this cabernet sauvignon is a must-try.
Howard Park Wines: 543 Miamup Road, Cowaramup, Western Australia | Website
7. Three Hills – Charles Andreas 2015
Three Hill Estate’s head winemaker Mark Warren is a man of training and experience, overseeing the production of wines that showcase flavours native to the area. Quality however, originates in the grape and Charles Andreas is a celebration of five Bordeaux varieties.
The best of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes make up this 2015 bottle which rightfully belongs on this list. If you’re searching for a well-balanced Red, this is it.
Happs Wines and Pottery Gallery: 575 Commonage Rd, Quindalup Western Australia 6281 | Website
—Whites—
6. Arimia – Verdelho 2014
I can’t think of a better way to start off this list of Margaret River Whites than with a bottle from the Arimia Estate. They’re known for producing innovative and delicious wines which pair well with everyday food, and this Verdelho is a perfect example.
Think light and bright flavours like lime and green melon, balanced with crisp acidity. This is one wine everyone needs to have handy for impromptu lunches that turn out to be some of the best ever.
Arimia Estate: 242 Quininup Road, Yallingup, Western Australia | Website
5. Hay Shed Hill – G40 Riesling 2014
Hay Shed Hill is one of the few pioneer vineyards that contributed to the prominence and respectability that the Margaret River wine region now enjoys. The winemakers and growers remain a dedicated bunch, working hard to produce memorable wines such as this G40 Riesling.
G40 refers to the 40g/l of residual sugar in this particular wine and the sweetness does indeed come through but is in no way overpowering. It’s incredibly refreshing to the palate, bringing a lime zesty-ness that balances out the sweet.
Hay Shed Hill: 511 Harmans Mill Road, Willyabrup, Western Australia 6280 | Website
4. Cape Mentelle – Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014
Cape Mentelle is yet another of Margaret River’s founding wineries, and is already known for producing some of Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignons. They can certainly attribute their success to the development and achievement of a distinctive house style.
Their Reds may have brought them to prominence, but Cape Mentelle’s white wines, like this Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014 follow not far behind. Expect rich fruit flavours like lime, passionfruit and even lychee, paired with an elegant texture that makes for a juicy and bright finish.
Cape Mentelle Vineyards: 331 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285 | Website
3. Cape Grace – Cane Cut Chenin Blanc 2014
As we transition to the pinks on the list, I can’t help but cheat by including another highlight from Cape Grace. The Cane Cut Chenin Blanc 2014 is a white dessert wine that was a dream to drink.
Dessert wines are characteristically sweet but I loved the palate on this one. Orange, mandarin and apple flavours came through with just the right amount of acidity. This would pair extremely well with say, a lemon tart.
Cape Grace Wines: 281 Fifty One Road, Cowaramup, Western Australia 6284 | Website
—Pinks—
2. Arimia – Rosé 2015
I never know how to feel about Rosés but Arimia’s 2015 vintage was reminiscent of some of the better ones I’ve had. This particular one is made from estate grown Grenache (a grape variety) that produces a pale pink colour and strawberry and cream aromas.
This is something I would definitely want on a hot afternoon in Australia — a palate of fresh berries and tropical fruit to complement the surrounding scenery that Margaret River has to offer.
Arimia Estate: 242 Quininup Road, Yallingup, Western Australia | Website
1. Stella Bella – Pink Moscato 2015
The less traditional Stella Bella wine label already hints at the very philosophy for their winemaking: a passion for creating world-class wines, without taking themselves too seriously. They aim to make wines for every occasion and this Pink Moscato 2015 is right up there with what I would like at a summer garden party.
The finest muscat grape is used and it’s like drinking an elevated Turkish Delight. It’s fruity, light and slightly fizzy and should only (and I mean only) be drunk from champagne flutes.
Stella Bella Wines: 205 Rosa Brook Rd, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285 | Website
I don’t know about you, but I’m booking my plane tickets straight after this. I’m always down for a glass or two, but couple that with some of the breathtaking views that these wineries have to offer… definitely a world class holiday in the making.
