A sophisticated, pure and expressive interpretation of this popular Margaret River blend with enticing minerality and savoury undertones.
2020 was a warm vintage with low yields resulting in good quality. Spring development was early followed by a warm start to summer and continuing into fine sunny, dry conditions throughout the summer months. This, combined with lower yields, brought an early start to harvest. Happily, we experienced minimal bird pressure due to the timely arrival of Marri Blossom and there was no disease pressure. Following the completion of white harvest, a rainfall event in late February provided a timely drink for the reds. Bird pressure increased resulting in the netting of our red varietals. The faster ripening period combined with lower yields led to incredible concentration in our red varietals, with substantial tannins and rich fruit flavour.
92 points
A super impressive take on the classic Margaret River blend that brings together the immaculate oak treatments overseen by Virginia Willcock in the Vasse Felix chardonnay range with lovely purity and brightness of fruit. Mid straw in colour, there is exceptional complexity for a wine at this price. Passionfruit, guava, lanolin and citrus notes with subtle nougat oak. Good intensity follows on a punchy palate driven by crisp acidity which is again nicely offset by a gentle oak touch. Good wine now and will add more layers with a couple more years of aging.
91 Points
Light straw-yellow colour. Pome fruit, smoke and bush honey aromatics. A fuller expression of this blend, with a weight of fruit and smoky savoury undertones. Good length and drive with acidity keeping it clean throughout and a phenolic fuzz drying the finish. Food would enhance it further.
92 Points
Papaya, dried pineapple, pomelo pith, thyme, oregano and some beeswax on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a textured, pithy and vibrant finish.
92 Points
Give this some breathing space please, as it opens up offering plenty of satisfying cabernet flavour. Mulberries, blueberries doused in warm spices, chocolate with wafts of fresh herbs and menthol. Fuller bodied, there’s a ripeness with the cedary oak adding flavour alongside shapely if grainy tannins, and lots of them, too. Best of all, this is a savoury drink.