Margaret River
Located on the most south-westerly point of Australia, the Margaret River region sprang to life during the 1960s and 1970s as a result of Professor Harold Olmo’s and Dr John Gladstone’s research into its viticultural potential. Vasse Felix was planted in 1967, Moss Wood in 1970 and Cullen in 1971; since then the plantings have grown exponentially, and the number of wineries has increased six-fold.
Learn more about Margaret River
Located on the most south-westerly point of Australia, three hours’ drive south of Perth, the Margaret River region sprang to life during the 1960s and 1970s as a result of Professor Harold Olmo’s and Dr John Gladstone’s research into the region’s viticultural potential. Consequently Vasse Felix was planted in 1967, Moss Wood in 1970 and Cullen in 1971. Since then the plantings have grown exponentially, while the number of wineries has increased six-fold. This explosion of wineries has perhaps been to the detriment of the wine quality.
Bounded to the west by the Indian Ocean and the 90km Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin promontory, the region enjoys a benign if damp maritime climate in which the vines rarely shut down, causing disrupted flowering (exacerbated by strong, westerly sea winds). Over the growing season it’s 16 percent hotter than in Coonawarra and 7% than the Médoc.
The Cape ridge is made up of lateritic clay topsoils over weathered granite and gneiss, giving fruit with a relatively high pH. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most fancied variety,producing a lush, early drinking style, followed by Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sémillon.
Recommended Producers: Cullen, McHenry Hohnen Vintners, Moss Wood, Cape Mentelle and Voyager Estate.
Prices:
Bottle
£14.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl36cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Stuart Rae - Private Account Manager
Cullen’s Diana Madeline, Bordeaux Blend from Western Australia has been rated as "Exceptional" by Langton’s Australian Wine Classification. this is a Cabernet-Merlot blend with beautiful fruit definition, refined tannin structure and remarkable resonance of place. It is the reward of extraordinary foresight and faith in Margaret River’s landscape.
This is a masterclass on Margaret River Cabernet. As always, it’s elegant on the nose with cassis, mocha, espresso bean and finely sharpened pencil. Medium-bodied, the palate presents small-berried fruit with a clean acid structure, balanced by fine graphite tannins. The finish is mesmerizingly long, concentrated and yet lifted on the palate. This is pulsating with life. Drink to 2025.
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Stuart Rae, Fine Wine Team
McHenry Hohnen is a collaborative venture between ex-fine wine retailer and grape grower, Murray McHenry, and David Hohnen, renowned founder of Margaret River’s Cape Mentelle and, later, New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay. The aim is to make wines which reflect their terroir and which receive minimal intervention with new oak used only sparingly.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer