Spring	1999

Each quarter we put together a unique and exclusive selection of Margaret River Wines, at a very special price. We also offer very special pricing on selected dozens. This quarter we introduce MR Wines, our own budget-priced Margaret River label. Click here to order. People's Choice Tasting Dozen 1993 Chapman's Creek Rhine Riesling 1998 Clairault Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 1998 Chateau Xanadu Semillon 1997 Voyager Estate Chardonnay 1998 Redgate Chardonnay 1998 Abbey Vale Sunburst Verdelho 1998 Abbey Vale Merlot Shiraz 1998 Amberley Shiraz 1996 Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 1997 Minot Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Becketts Flat Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Aquila Cabernet Sauvignon

1993 Chapman's Creek Rhine Riesling
This wine has matured from a tight acidic youngster into a luscious, complex aged wine. It displays hints of honey, lemon and apricot with the slightest suggestion of botrytis. It has a wonderful mouth-feel, sumptuous mid-palate and a firm crisp finish. A wonderful Riesling that has truly blossomed with age.

1998 Clairault Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
This is the classic white blend that Margaret River has made its own. The Cape Clairault blend is 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. The varietal flavours are developing very well, with the Semillon fruit taking on greater depth and complexity. However the crisper palate of the Sauvignon Blanc makes it very approachable now.

1998 Chateau Xanadu Semillon
This has long been one of the region's classic varietal whites. Quality oak has provided lift and elegance to the bouquet which exhibits intense lime and citrus with hints of cut grass and char. The palate is full and weighty with lime and subtle melon flavours evident, overlaid with sweet spice. A really tremendous food wine.

1997 Voyager Estate Chardonnay
A deserving winner of our 1999 People's Choice Award. This complex, rich Chardonnay is invariably ranked in the top 10 in Margaret River. It was barrel fermented and matured in small French oak casks for 11 months which contributes to its creamy richness and texture. The 1997 season yielded small crops, but these had very rich fruit flavours. Fruit nuances show through beautifully in this award-winning wine.

1998 Redgate Chardonnay
A beautifully made wine with restrained melon, citrus and spicy oak aromas, rich white peach and cashew flavours and gentle acidity on the finish. It is soft and round, has excellent weight and shows gentle balance between its classy oak and ripe fruit. One of the region's great reliable Chardonnays.

1998 Abbey Vale Sunburst Verdelho
This is arguably one of the best Verdelhos in Australia and has won a number of awards. The slightly warmer conditions where the vines are grown allows for maximum ripeness and complexity. A powerful, fruity white that is clean and fresh with strong, ripe passion fruit characters and a long dry finish. An outstanding food wine.


1998 Abbey Vale Merlot Shiraz
This is a great big, rich red that shows off all the attributes of both its component varieties. The smooth red berry fruit flavours of the merlot intermingle beautifully with spice and coffee shiraz characters. The oak is treated with great skill and tannins are fine but pronounced, giving the wine many a long year in the cellar. The only blend of its kind in Margaret River, and a mighty fine one at that.

1998 Amberley Shiraz
This rich, ripe Shiraz shows classic varietal characteristics and more. The wine has an aroma of sweet berries and cherries with nuances of spice and pepper. An intense flavourful palate brings dark berries to the fore intermixed with sweet spice. There are also attractive charry oak and fine grained lingering tannins. Very good now, great in a few years time.

1996 Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot
Here is another ripper from old Voyager wines and winemaker Stuart Pym. It is a deep rich garnet colour with tinges of purple. The nose offers up intense and complex aromas of cassis and cedar with a touch of mint. The palate is excellent with layers of rich berry flavours combined with soft perfume qualities. This is veiled in fine French oak and subtle tannins.

1997 Minot Cabernet Sauvignon
A well-made wine that shows Margaret River's affinity for this variety. It is big and rich with ripe sweet redcurrant and red cherry characters which are well integrated with oak. The wine has an attractive structure and firm but fine tannins. Although it can be enjoyed young for its fresh fruitiness, it will show greater complexity and depth of flavour with 5 to 10 years cellaring.

1998 Becketts Flat Cabernet Sauvignon
This isa big poweful red whihc has a perfumed spicy nose, some herbaceous characters and hearty fruit nuances. It has a dark ruby colour and intense dark berry and oak characters. Tannins are firm yet attractive, adding life to the wine. It is complex, well-balanced and tightly structured. Will only improve over the years.

1996 Aquila Cabernet Sauvignon
This attractive wine has a lifted bouquet of plum, black currant and a hint of mintiness. The palate is poweful and shows excellent tannins and large amounts of intense, spicy cherry and black currant fruit. Slightly astringent finish gives a nice tight feel and is a good sign this one will age well. A good food wine, particularly red meat and poultry.