James Halliday – "A classic high-quality Margaret River cabernet from an extremely good vintage, with more depth to rounded, fleshy fruit and quality oak than is usual with this wine. It's estate grown, and the vines decades old. It exudes cassis and has an excellent ripe tannin structure. 14% alc. Screwcap. Drink by: 2035"
Wine Enthusiast – ‘Deep colour. Ethereal cassis, light marzipan, vanilla with hints of violet. Fresh blackcurrant pastille, marzipan, cedar flavour and fine bittersweet/ grainy tannins. Finishes claret firm, with pure dark berry fruits and superb mineral length. Elegantly proportioned, pristine and sinuous with excellent cellaring potential. A genuine Australian First Growth highlighting the genius of vineyard site, meticulous harvesting (five separate picking times), empathetic and imaginative winemaking. 89% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 3% malbec, 14 months maturation in new (55%) and seasoned French oak. A classic vintage; up there with the best. Keep for a while to allow some bottle age development as you will be greatly rewarded. 13.5% alc.’ 99 points. - Andrew Caillard, The Vintage Journal.
Huon Hooke – ‘Deep, bright red-purple colour with a reserved, shy bouquet that leads into a similarly latent palate
where masses of fine tannins lie stealthily in wait. Subtle violet and blackberry traces. There is
tremendous depth and muscle to this wine but it is still a little in its shell and needs more time to open.
Masses of tannin bode well for its future in the cellar. Decanting may work if broaching it young. (89%
cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 3% malbec. Aged in 55% new oak for 14 months).’
98 points. Huon Hooke, The Real Review
The Wine Front – "Pear, lime, grapefruit, floral too, with a distinct mint/aniseed top note, backed with discreet spicy cinnamon/ginger oak. It’s fresh and lively, quite saline too, flinty and chalky, a honey ginger drink character in the mix, along with a cucumber coolness and biscuit spices, a whole lot of presence and power here, delivered in a kind of understated, but confident way. The finish is very long, and refreshing. Gee, this is good wine. It ripples through the mouth like a flat white stone pitched across a cool lake. That’s an image for you, and I’ll leave you with that." - Gary Walsh
James Halliday – Sourced from 48yo vines on the 2.2ha Block 2 on the Hay Shed Hill property in Wilyabrup. Matured 18 months in French oak barriques. The nose presents a classical combination of black pepper, plum, raspberry, cassis and mulberry, backed by spiced oak. The palate follows suit and is further ameliorated by the presence of finely grippy tannins which caress the fruit through the lingering finish.
James Halliday – Matured for 12 months in new and used oak (88% French, 12% American). Bright crimson colour heralds a wine full of vitality; red berry flavours surge through the mouth, gauzy tannins in the background adding to the exuberant mouthfeel and length.
James Suckling – "Aromas of pitted cherries, grilled herbs, overturned earth and whole nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with structured, sturdy tannins. Fresh acidity lifts up the savoury fruit and sweet spice. Very good intensity and depth here. A bit of chew at the finish. Best after 2023." - James Suckling
James Halliday – According to Pierro’s website, the music to play while tasting this wine is Delibes’ Flower duet from the opera Lakmé, described, in part, as “balanced perfectly with richness, depth and hidden power. Long lingering finish that leaves one feeling delightfully pensive and soothed.” Reads like a tasting note for the wine. Yet who sings the duet is important – my favourite recording is the incomparable Dame Joan Sutherland and Jane Berbié. Like the Dame, this wine is powerful, rich and precise. It’s full-bodied and layered with ripe stone fruit, nutty, creamy lees and spicy oak, and yet, the super-tight acid line seems to corral all those overt flavours into submission driving to a long, resounding finish while allowing moreish, savoury aspects to rise – lemon-lime freshness cleansing the palate. Impressive.
James Halliday – "Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Enter its world. There's grandness to this red that is apparent from the first sip. It has both intensity and breadth, but then it also has volume and length. Drinking it is like diving into the ocean. It tastes of cassis, dark chocolate, peppermint, violets and lightly browned toast. Tannin rolls towards the finish from a long way out; it crashes through the finish in sets. You can drink it now; there's so much action to be tucked into. But wow this has a future." - Campbell Mattinson (Halliday Wine Companion)
The Wine Front – Pungent start. Steaming pineapple tarte Tatin. Appetising. More sweet pastry, some coconut nuance, lavender, almond nougat, wood spice. It’s full-on with power, energetic, pushing with a hit of ripe flavour and a whack of grapefruity acidity. I want to say it’s meaty with crushed bitter sage finish. Flavours linger in the back palate with a big lick of lime and salt. It has great intensity that needs time to settle.
The Allure of Margaret River
Situated in the southwestern corner of Australia, Margaret River is not just a wine-producing region; it's a testament to the harmony of nature and human endeavor. Bounded by the Indian Ocean, the region enjoys a maritime climate, resulting in mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Such conditions are ideal for vineyards, allowing grapes to mature slowly and develop deep, intricate flavors.
Margaret River is particularly renowned for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, though it produces a variety of other exceptional varietals. The region's unique terroir, a blend of ancient soils and a temperate climate, results in wines that are vibrant, aromatic, and notably consistent in quality. Beyond the vineyards, Margaret River beckons with its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush forests, making it a wine destination that touches both the palate and the soul.
Margaret River is a picturesque region located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia. Approximately 277 kilometers south of Perth, this enchanting region stretches nearly 100 kilometers from north to south and is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the west. The combination of its coastal location, verdant landscapes, and undulating terrain makes Margaret River not only a prime wine-producing area but also a sought-after tourist destination. Its accessibility from Perth coupled with its natural beauty — from pristine beaches to dense forests — ensures that the region remains a magnet for both wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Margaret River wines are often recognized for their exceptional quality, consistently ranking among the best in Australia and, indeed, the world. The region's maritime climate and ancient, gravelly soils contribute to the production of wines with great depth, character, and elegance. While the area offers some premium wines that command higher prices, especially those from established and boutique wineries, there is also a plethora of options that provide excellent value for money. Whether you're exploring the top-tier vintages or seeking more budget-friendly bottles, Margaret River offers a diverse range that caters to various palates and budgets without compromising on quality.
Margaret River, though accounting for just about 3% of Australia's grape production, has garnered a reputation that far exceeds its size. Its unique terroir, influenced by the Indian Ocean's moderating breezes, results in a climate where the risk of extreme weather conditions is minimized. This consistent climate, combined with ancient soils, allows for the production of wines that are remarkably consistent in quality year after year. The region's commitment to sustainability and organic farming practices further elevates its stature. But beyond the vineyards, it's the community's passion — a blend of pioneering spirit and respect for the land — that truly sets Margaret River apart.
While Margaret River produces a broad spectrum of wines, it is most acclaimed for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The Cabernet Sauvignon from this region is characterized by its deep color, vibrant berry flavors, and elegant tannins, often drawing comparisons with the great wines of Bordeaux. The Chardonnays, on the other hand, are recognized for their finesse, bright acidity, and layered complexities, often presenting notes of citrus, peach, and subtle oak. These flagship varietals, backed by the region's distinctive terroir, have placed Margaret River on the global wine map.
Determining the "best" wines from Margaret River can be subjective, as preferences vary. However, several wineries and vintages consistently receive acclaim from critics and enthusiasts alike. Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Cullen Wines, for instance, have garnered international praise for their exemplary Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Brands like Voyager Estate, Cape Mentelle, and Moss Wood also consistently produce wines that showcase the region's exceptional qualities. Whether you're seeking the rich, full-bodied character of a Cabernet or the nuanced elegance of a Chardonnay, Margaret River's esteemed wineries promise a journey of discovery and delight.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.