OUR REGION
The Margaret River wine region occupies the southwestern corner of Western Australia; about three hours drive south of Perth.
It enjoys a Western Maritime or Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry, winters cool and wet. The climate has often been compared to that of Bordeaux.
The Indian Ocean lies to our west, the Southern Ocean to the south. The oceans meet at Cape Leeuwin, near the small township of Augusta. Here the Blackwood River, the largest in the South West, ends its journey, flowing into Flinders Bay. Humpback and Southern right whales abound in the waters around the South West. They take refuge in Flinders Bay during their annual migration.
Vines were first planted in the Margaret River region in the 1960s. Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Riesling were the main early plantings. Much of the Riesling, more suited to continental than maritime climates, has been replanted or grafted to other varieties. In recent years there have been large new plantings of Cabernet and Semillon, along with Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot. There are also substantial blocks of Verdelho, and some Viognier, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and other varieties. Pinot Noir is a continental variety and is not widely planted in Margaret River.
Margaret River wines have earned an enviable reputation for their quality. The definitive white style is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Cabernet Sauvignon is the red of note, but Shiraz, particularly from the south of the region, is making spectacular wine and is now vying with Cabernet for top recognition.
Our region is now one of Australia’s top tourist destinations. Spectacular food and wine, quality resorts, accommodation and golf courses add to the natural assets of scenic forests and rugged coastline, with world-renowned surf.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
A delightful aroma of dark cherries, plum and black currant, with a hint of the cigar box.
SHIRAZ
Our Shiraz is black with purple tinges. It displays aromas of white pepper, dark berries and spice, amplified by the discreet use of toasty oak.
ROSÉ
Fresh, vibrant & fruity with a delicious cherry aroma. Strawberry & raspberry dominate with a subtle hint of spice.
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Vibrant expressions of passionfruit and gooseberry leap from the glass. Light, dry and delicate.
SAUVIGNON BLANC
SEMILLION
The aroma lingers with attractive notes of lime, lemongrass and passionfruit. The palate is crisp and lively.
CHARDONNAY
A delicious fruit driven Chardonnay with depth & finesse. Peaches and cream texture with a nuance of cashew nut.
OUR VINEYARD
Our Karridale Vineyard, 45km south of Margaret River township, is very close to Flinders Bay. Its climate is distinctly cooler than in the north of the region. Scientific data has found that Karridale is the coolest grape growing region in Western Australia.
Influenced by both Southern and Indian Oceans, the 50 hectares (120 acres) vineyard was planted between 1995 and 1998 on a former dairy farm of 80 hectares (200 acres). Varieties planted are Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.
Vineyard practices, trellising methods and control of yields, are determined by only one criterion ‚ optimum quality.
Pests (slugs, snails, beetles etc) are controlled without the use of chemicals, by chooks (chickens) and ducks. In fact, we elect to use the absolute minimum of fertilizers and chemicals.
The surrounding Marri trees (WA Redgum) conveniently flower as vintage approaches. The silvereye birds which can cause so much damage to ripening grapes are attracted to the Marri blossom. If the Marri blossom is poor, the silvereyes will attack the grapes. So we put nets over whole rows of ripening grapes
The fruit is harvested when taste and laboratory analysis indicates optimum ripeness. Whites are harvested at night, so as to reach the winery cool, and needless refrigeration prior to cold fermentation. Reds can come off during the day, as they are fermented at room temperature.
The quality of our fruit has exceeded our best expectations.
