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"
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 – "Inviting aromas of fleshy peaches, apricots, white tea and subtle spice. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Subtle and nuanced with the nose continuing and expanding on the palate before gently trailing off at the finish. Minerals come out at the end. Dry. Drink now or hold. Screw cap."
92 points
, James Suckling
James Halliday – “With 2% malbec. Matured for 20 months in French oak (33.3% new). Cabernet and malbec are meant to be together. This is vibrant and intense, layered with cassis and pomegranate, licorice, clove, graphite and nori. The layers are sewn together with threads of saline acidity that create structure within the shape provided by the oak. All things in place here – yet another compelling Prelude release from the team at Leeuwin. Unbelievable value for money.”
95 points
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
James Halliday – “One of the better chenin blancs from Voyager Estate to date as it has flavour and richness but stays neatly in the dry spectrum. Poached pears and quince, lemon balm and lime curd with an intriguing waft of lanolin and the tug of phenolics add to the palate’s shape. There’s refreshment throughout but also depth. Lovely.“ - Jane Faulkner, The Wine Companion
James Suckling – "Aromas of sliced pears, apple skins and sea shells. Salted nuts, praline and biscuits, too. Tasty and fresh with a medium body and biscuity, dry finish. Drink now. Crown cap." - jamessuckling.com
James Halliday – ”Fruit from vines up to 33 years old, matured for 9 months in French oak (30% new). Juicy, plummy and densely packed with flavour. The oak is evident at this stage, however it does augment the tannins in a savoury way, which is an attractive feature of the finish. This will likely age gracefully for up to a decade, but it will also provide delicious, if full-bodied, pleasure early, too. ”
– Erin Larkin Halliday Wine Companion
James Halliday – ”A blend of 3 clones, machine harvested and destemmed. Whole-berry fruit spends up to 18 days in skins, then pressed to tank and matured for 16 months in oak (30% new). The tannins are the highlight here – the ripe fruit is ensconced by chalky brick-dust tannins, which shape the wine as it moves through the lingering finish. Brilliant value for money, the structure is key. Impressive.”
– Halliday Wine Companion
The Wine Front – “Organic shiraz is the bedrock for this traditionally made sparkling wine. Tart and zingy, tightly wound bubbles, skittish and refreshing. Quiet perfume of raspberry and white strawberries, a dash of spice. Flavours set to similar spectrum with a squeeze of blood orange and tangerine, ie a little cloying sweetness in the pithy, off-dry citrus mix. Really delicious drinking and damn easy to do so. A nicely put together, elementary sparkling wine of character.” - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
James Halliday – "Hand-picked organic shiraz from the Weightman's Block 3. Whole-bunch pressed, made in the traditional method. This is uncomplicated and delicious. Pomegranate and blackberry are the dead giveaway to shiraz, plus lashings of raspberry and watermelon that keep things light. This right here is perfect summer rosé."
- Erin Larkin, Wine Companion
James Suckling – A spicy nose of clove, coriander, paprika and redcurrants. Full-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Linear on the palate with the spice character running the show. Licorice notes at the finish. Drink now. Screw cap.- jamessuckling.com
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.