Waiting for a rainy day to open those wines you’ve been saving?  That day, Open that Bottle Night is 29 February 2020.

Great wine is made to be shared, wouldn’t you agree? And it’s not always about cracking open the oldest bottle in your cellar (although that’s a unique story in itself!). It could be a wine you were given for your wedding, the birth of your first child or an inexpensive bottle picked up on a visit to your favourite winery.

One of the best things about enjoying special wine is the enjoyment of the stories and memories that were made through your ownership of the bottle.

To quote an oldie but a goldie – life’s too short, drink the wine! So put 29 February in your diary, gather your nearest and dearest, crack open your special bottles of Margaret River wine and make memories while remembering those tales that have been kept in the cellar for too long.

Open That Bottle Night (#OTBN) is held on the last Saturday in February each year, this year being 29 February – here’s how you can make your own #OTBN an annual tradition.

What’s Open That Bottle Night all about?

The concept of Open That Bottle Night (#OTBN) was initiated by two reporters at The Wall Street Journal. Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher wanted to encourage their readers to open a significant bottle, then to share their stories. Since its inauguration in 2000 (well before social media became mainstream), the event has become a global phenomenon, and is always held annually on the last Saturday in February.

The underlying premise of Open That Bottle Night is that wine is more than liquid in a bottle. With the opening of these wines comes a memory of life milestones, births, deaths and marriages, long-lost loved ones and treasured holidays. These memories are too precious and significant not to celebrate and share.

For those in the hospitality industry, Open That Bottle Night is an opportunity to help customers put wine on the centre stage of your tables. Why not host a BYO night at your restaurant, or at least highlight your venue’s status as BYO?

For wineries and retailers, Open That Bottle Night represents an opportunity to focus on the compelling stories about your wines and producers, and encourage customers to open and enjoy the wines they have put aside. For retailers, why not encourage staff and customers to tell the tales of all your quirky producers that you have featured in your store.

When

The last Saturday in February every year – in 2020 it’s Saturday 29 February.

How to get involved?

As a wine lover

Dig out a special wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion or purchase a new release with an interesting back-story to join in the fun.

Invite friends and family to your place, a restaurant or host an outdoor picnic while the weather is warm. Tell your guests it’s a special occasion – you provide the wine, they bring a plate. Or ask everyone to bring their own special bottle. You could also try to match the food to the wine being enjoyed that night.

So what are the stories behind the wines? Just ask a few questions and the tales will start to roll in…

In previous Open That Bottle nights, we’ve been blown away by how well the wines have drunk on the night – guests brought an old Chardonnay they found while on holidays, others opened small parcel wines they were given for a birthday and had no idea what to expect. The most memorable wines are not always the most expensive, but those that relate to a personal connection or memory.

Once the wine has been opened and tasted, post your thoughts on social media using #OTBN, or post your OTBN photos on Facebook 

Plan to do it all over again throughout the year!

Restaurants and On-Premise Venues

Be the facilitator to encourage customers to enjoy wine even more and create a bit of fun. Promote #OTBN as a chance to have a BYO night, raid your own cellars and pull out special wines you want to share. Inspire your staff to tell their own stories about wines on the list or those they’ve enjoyed in their own time. Let the quirky anecdotes about the producers on your wine list come to life.

Wineries

Is product trial a challenge for your winery? OTBN is your chance to promote range discovery. Maybe there’s a back vintage pack you can release in cellar door or to your database? A special release of small parcel wines? Or why not compile a pack of your winemaker’s favourite wines for purchase? There’s so much scope to participate and help customers share wines they may have put away for a special occasion and put your product in the spotlight.

Retailers

Why not promote a selection of wines in your store and encourage people to purchase so they can get involved in the global conversation? Maybe you have back vintage wines you’d like people to discover, or small parcels from your favourite producers that have an interesting story behind their production. This is a perfect opportunity for you to get your own customers interacting, purchasing wines or raiding their existing cellars – which may result in them returning to stock up!

Use this Open That Bottle Night Collateral!

We’ve made it easy to promote OTBN on your own social media platforms. Feel free to use the descriptions above to explain how to get involved to your consumers. The hashtag for the night is #OTBN and the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Openthatbottlenight will continue to feature stories and great products for people to discover.

To make it easy to participate, use this support material. It’s free to download and use.

Margaret River Region Online Auction for Bushfire Relief
Bidding from 11am Friday 24 January until 5pm Friday 7 February AWST
Loaded with rare wines, amazing experiences and breathtaking accommodation.  #HolidayHereThisYear
Funds raised will be split between the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund and regional causes recommended by Wine Australia and the Australian Grape & Wine.
To place a bid, visit www.32auctions.com/MargaretRiver4FireRelief

Part IV – Blessed by the weather gods

“Margaret River has the most reliable climate of all the major wine regions – indeed all – of Australia. Its latitude and the ever-present maritime influence of the Indian Ocean combine to give it high winter rainfall and a very even accumulation of heat throughout the growing season” – James Halliday, Wine Companion.

Blessed with deep, well-draining soil, the Margaret River Wine Region also boasts weather designed for growing plenty of grapes.

Did you know that grapevines favour ‘temperate’ climates, which mostly fall within distinct latitudes of 30˚ and 50˚ from the equator? With Margaret River sitting at 33°55’S, it’s no wonder the region is renowned for producing consistent crops of grapes every year.

Team Margaret River’s latitude with its proximity to the ocean and you get high winter rainfall, a dry, warm summer and low risk of frost – a prime environment for all things viticulture.

Send your favourite Margaret River Wines all over the world, thanks to our new international mixed case shipping.

It’s easy to enjoy Margaret River Wine in the comfort of your own home, even if you don’t live in Australia. Want to learn more? Ok.

The Margaret River Wine Association have teamed with 21 Margaret River wineries to bring you international mixed case shipping, which allows you to get your favourite drops delivered straight to your front door.

The Margaret River Box is perfect if you’re travelling home or visiting friends and family overseas. Taste your way around the Margaret River Wine Region, pick your favourite wines and send them almost anywhere in the world.

It’s a great option if you’re trying to avoid the high fees you could attract if you decide to book “additional baggage”, if you simply want to travel light or you want to surprise a wine aficionado friend.

The best bit? Being able to indulge on a drop of world-class wine, long after the holiday’s over.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1. Head to any one of the 21 wineries and ask one of the friendly cellar door staff for a Margaret River Box and invoice.

Step 2. Hit the road and visit your choice of wineries, filling your Margaret River Box with your top picks as you go. Please ensure staff fill in the invoice at each venue that you make a purchase.

Step 3. At the final stop, provide the cellar door staff your Margaret River Box, invoice and your personal details and they will do the rest.

Easy, right?

Rosé , amongst the lovers is a wine generally met with a smile. It speaks of summer sunsets, bright starts to long lunches, and a surprisingly eloquent ‘welcome-home-how-was-your-day’.  Choosing between them comes down to a matter of style, as does everything, and not all rosés (as we know) are created equal. The best are deliberate, focused, poised and generous, and show a bright array of flavours and textures.

Margaret River is making a really exciting variety of rosés, the best of which are scintillatingly layered, engagingly complex, and spicily dry. However, it’s challenging to talk about ‘rosé’ and ‘Margaret River’ in the same sentence, and not mention the winemaker who has sidled up and made himself synonymous with all things pink and see-through: Julian Langworthy. There is, since 2015, a rosé trophy at the Margaret River Wine Show. The winner gets a pink jacket. They’re pre-made funnily enough, in Julian’s measurements. He has won three of the past 5 Rosé trophies, so I suppose it is almost justified.

My TOP 5 of 2019:
Oates Ends Rosé 2019: Super pretty salmon colour… it’s a crushed oyster shell / pastel mandarin hue. I love the colour and would stare at it some more, were it not for the rose petals, strawberry and saffron spices wafting out of the glass. Pretty and generous. Love the texture through the mid-back palate. It’s chalky and fine, littered with fine white pepper. Wilyabrup tempranillo.

La Kooki Rosé Blonde 2019: Perfectly spiced, fine and layered, this has brilliant structure and generosity… Strawberry, hints of pomegranate and other red berries… but this is far from sweet. The Blonde is savoury and textural, driven by red currant, steered by spice, and carried through and over the palate by rippling acidity. My favourite Rosé Blonde yet – this has personality, energy and focus. M.R. Pinot Noir.

Thompson Estate Four Chambers Pinot Rosé 2019: Another Pinot Rosé, showing Goldilocks balance between ripe red berry fruit and fine exotic spice. A lovely, pure wine; ‘pretty’ was used thrice in the original note.

Nocturne Rosé 2019: The thing that really got me here, is the intensity of fruit flavour on the palate. This is concentrated. Sure: it looks good, it smells great… but I wasn’t prepared for the sheer volume of flavour on the palate. Big yes. Dry, textural, serious. Carbanup sangiovese, nebbiolo.

Deep Woods Harmony Rosé 2019: Can we even talk about rose from Margaret River without mentioning this little bargain? Unlikely. This is vibrant, fine, dry and knock-out value at under $15 almost everywhere you look. A surprising amount of structure and line for the price. Shiraz, tempranillo, grenache.

At the end of the day, whether you like it dry, lean and textural, generous spicy and layered, sweet, or otherwise (my personal preference is off the back of a boat over at Rotto in Summer, but we’re all different)… it’s a wine we love, and a wine we do pretty damn well here in WA.

As a little side note, since its inaugural trophy at the 2015 Margaret River Wine Show, the past five years of Rosé Trophy winners are:
2019 – Abbey Vale Premium Rosé
2018 – Coward & Black, Lady Margo Rosé
2017- Prevelli Wines, ‘Wild Thing’ Rosé
2016 – Deep Woods Harmony Rosé
2015 – Deep Woods Estate Rosé

Learn about the beautiful marri tree blossom and why it’s so significant to winemakers and viticulturalists during vintage.

Climate and soil are the most important factors when it comes to grape-growing, but did you know that the marri tree blossom plays a big part in Margaret River viticulture, too?

The marri blossom is a beautiful flower featuring fine hairs that fan out like a hat. Every year or two the flower blooms, transforming most of Margaret River’s treescape from green to yellow-white each summer.

While beautiful, there’s more to the marri blossom than meets the eye. A valuable food source for many of the region’s native animals (including the bee, which makes delicious honey from the flower’s nectar), the blossom also helps viticulturalists protect their prized grapes from hungry birds.

Just before vintage, the Margaret River wine industry turns their attention to the marri trees and their tiny flowers. The quantity of marri flowers help them estimate the amount of bird pressure they’ll have on their grapes – the more flowers on the trees, the less birds on the vine, and vice versa.

In 2019, for example, there was very little marri blossom in the region, resulting in high bird pressure. Thanks to plenty of marri blossoms all over Margaret River now, this year’s vintage is looking much more promising.

Alas, not all of the birds can be kept away by the sweet nectar of a marri blossom. To combat the birds from damaging a vineyard’s grapes, winemakers cover each of the vines with nets – a typical sight from February to April. It’s a sure-fire way to keep the birds at bay, and the grapes growing all day.

Two of Margaret River Wine Region’s founding fathers, John Evans and John Tate, are the recipients of Margaret River Wine Association’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising their contribution to the region with a friendship that began over 70 years ago..

The duo, who planted some of the first roots of a now blossoming wine industry, began their foray into winemaking in the 60s, before purchasing and establishing a Margaret River vineyard in 1974. From there, Evans & Tate was born.

Over the next few years the two Johns would go on to plant Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon vines on their property, producing their very first wine in 1978.

In 1983, Tate purchased Evan’s share of the winery and went on to produce the Evans & Tate Margaret River Classic – one of the region’s most successful wines.

Both would go on to play pivotal roles in the West Australian wine industry, and while their priorities may have changed over the years, their friendship has remained the same.

For more read Margaret River Wine Association Chair Greg Wall’s presentation speech.

Part III – An Ancient Land 
We may be a young wine region, but we’re one built on mature foundations. Foundations made, quite literally, of ancient soils.

One of the world’s most geographically isolated wine regions, Margaret River and the South West formed around 120 million years ago, with much of the wider region geologically undisturbed for tens of millions of years.

Over time, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, which runs 100km down the middle of the Margaret River region, has created a complex network of gneiss, schist and granite-based soils; some of the oldest soil in the world.

This predominantly deep, well-drained, red gravelly loam is poor in nutrients, resulting in low vigour – the perfect environment to grow high-quality grapes.

Margaret River excelled at the 2019 National Wine Show of Australia with 6 Trophies and 18 Gold Medals.

The National Wine Show of Australia is Australia’s premier national wine show. The Show invites entries from across Australia in premium classes for table, sparkling and fortified wines. The purpose of the Show is to judge and promote the best of the best Australian wines.

Trophy Winners

Xanadu Wines

Miles From Nowhere

Stella Bella Wines

Gold Medals

 

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Brewer.

See Ray Jordan’s Top White Wines from under $40 for some inspo for your summer wine shopping list!  There are so many great Margies wines to try, whatever your mood or budget!

Best Wine
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2018 ($39) 95 points

Best value wine
Deep Woods Ivory Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($15) 93 points

Under $15
Deep Woods Ivory Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($15) 93 points
Amelia Park Trellis Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019 ($15) 89 points
Brookland Valley Verse 1 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($14.95) 90 points

$15-$20
Xanadu Exmoor Chardonnay 2018 ($20) 93 points
Flametree Embers Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($18) 89 points
Xanadu Exmoor Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019 ($20) 92 points
Amberley Secret Lane Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($20)88 points
Vasse Felix Classic Dry White 2019 ($19) 92 points

$20-$25
Xanadu DJL Chardonnay 2018 ($25) 95 points
Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Chardonnay 2018 ($22) 91 points
Forester Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($25) 94 points
Ashbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($24.95) 91 points
Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 ($25) 92 points
Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 ($24) 94 points
Hay Shed Hill Block 1 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($23.65) 94 points
Clairault Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019 ($20) 90 points
Sandalford Estate Reserve Verdelho 2019 ($25) 92 points

$25-$40
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2018 ($39) 95 points
Xanadu Chardonnay 2017 ($39) 94 points
Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Chardonnay 2017 ($40) 94 points
Flametree Chardonnay 2018 ($29) 93 points
Voyager Estate Girt by Sea Chardonnay 2018 ($28) 92 points
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 ($32)
Thompson Estate Four Chambers Sauv Blanc Semillon 2018 ($25) 91 points
Domaine Naturaliste Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($27) 94 points
Howard Park Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($31) 93 points
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($31) 92 points

This list has been taken from Ray Jordan’s Top 100 White Wines & Sparkling, published in The West Australian in November 2019.  The final list was chosen from nearly 600 wines submitted from all over Australia and New Zealand, which sell for $40 or less.

Full list click here

The world’s most widely planted vine and Australia’s third most planted variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of Australian wine’s great success stories.

Home to the world’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1886 in the Barossa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon has a long and proud history in Australia.

In its fourth year, the Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge respects this history whilst celebrating the producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, who are striving to make the best possible wines that reflect a sense of place.

Whether that is the sublime subtlety from the Yarra Valley, the elegant and balanced wines from the Coonawarra terra rossa soil, the rich and decadent signature style from Margaret River or the powerful and luscious expressions from McLaren Vale,  the Challenge provides an opportunity for a Cabernet Sauvignon varietal competition of great interest.

Whilst in Margaret River last week, James Halliday recorded the results announcing the 2019 Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge Trophy winner as the 2018 Ringbolt Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon.  View video here.

Scoring 96 points and taking out the top prize from over 350 other entries from 25 regions across the country, the 2018 Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon was made from a selection of sites around Margaret River, in what winemaker Heather Fraser said was “near perfect Cabernet Sauvignon ripening conditions”.

The 2019 Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge Regional Winners are:

Coonawarra Best of Region
Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Great Southern Best of Region
Forest Hill Vineyard Highbury Fields Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Margaret River Best of Region
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

McLaren Vale Best of Region
Wirra Wirra The Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Pyrenees Best of Region
Glenlofty Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Yarra Valley Best of Region
Dominique Portet Fontaine Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The full results are also now available to view at www.australiancabernetchallenge.com.au

Cabernet Sauvignon of all vintages are eligible and judged by region without judges knowing which region they were officiating.  Wines achieving a Gold Medal score (95 points and over) were selected to determine the Best of Region wine, then each Regional Winner was judged again for the Trophy.

The Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge was conducted under the auspices of the Margaret River Wine Association in conjunction with the Langton’s 2019 Margaret River Wine Show.   The 2019 Judges were:

David Brookes – Wine Marketing Labs, Chair of Judges (New South Wales)
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker Wine Advocate, International Judge (New York)
Melanie Chester – Sutton Grange Estate (Victoria)
Sandrine Gimon – Wine Rage Consulting (Victoria)
Stuart Hordern – Brokenwood Wines (New South Wales)
Alex Hudak – Pure Wine Co (Victoria)
Lisa Jenkins – Mac Forbes Wines (Victoria)
Kate Laurie – Deviation Road (South Australia)
Robert Mann– Corymbia (Western Australia)
Kate Morgan – Ipso Facto Wines & Byron & Harold Estate (Western Australia)
Sarah Pidgeon – Wynns Coonawarra (South Australia)
Ben Portet – Dominique Portet (Victoria)
Daniel Swincer – Pernod Ricard (South Australia)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S TROPHY WINNERS!

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Show
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Seguin Moreau Trophy for Red Wine of Show
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Labelmakers Group Trophy for White Wine of Show
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017

Vinline Mobile Bottling Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor
Xanadu Wines

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Provenance White
Brookland Valley Estate Chardonnay 2008, 2013, 2018

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Provenance Red
Houghton Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, 2013, 2018

Singapore Airlines International Judge’s Trophy
Driftwood Estate Single Site Chardonnay 2018

SWAT Winery Equipment Specialists Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Multi-Color Trophy for Best Chardonnay
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017

Tonnellerie de Mercurey Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red
Brash Vineyard Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Portavin Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017

Cospak / Saverglass Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Deep Woods Estate Single Vineyard Cabernets 2018

VA Filtration / Memstar Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc
Millbrook Regional Sauvignon Blanc 2019

BFL Trophy for Best Blend of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon
Clairault Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019

Saint Martin Trophy for Best Oaked White other than Chardonnay
Higher Plane Fume Blanc 2019

CHEP Trophy for Best Shiraz/Syrah
Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Margaret River Syrah 2018

Chr. Hansen Trophy for Best Rosé
Abbey Vale Premium Rosé 2019

Laffort Trophy for Best Other Blend or Varietal
Marq Malbec 2018

Happs Wines Viticultural Excellence Award
Ianto Ward, Juniper Estate

MRBTA Wine Tourism Excellence Award
Ulrika Larsson

MRWA Lifetime Achievement Award
John Evans & John Tate

2019 Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show Results Book

Two Margaret River winners announced in New York

On Tuesday 17 September two Margaret River women, Vanya Cullen and Ulrika Larsson, were announced winners of the 2019 Australian Women in Wine Awards (AWIWA). They were both at the Ceremony to receive their awards in person.

It was a hat-trick for Vanya Cullen, winning the AWIWA Winemaker of the Year, sponsored by Tonnellerie Saint Martin, as she celebrates her 30th year of being the Cullen Senior winemaker, as well as receiving the Halliday Winemaker of the Year last month.

Ulrika Larsson from Clairault Streicker Wines was awarded the 2019 AWIWA Cellar Door Person of the Year, sponsored by Purple Giraffe.

The event was attended by nearly 40 Australian female wine producers, and the invitation only guest list also included over 100 trade, media and dignitaries.

‘I feel honoured, humbled and grateful to win the AWIWA Winemaker of the Year 2019 award.  Three generations of women, my maternal grandmother Madeline Grace Smith was a suffragette, my mother Diana Madeline a pioneering woman in Margaret River and it’s my 30th year at Cullens being senior wine maker.  What a year’, Vanya Cullen said.

‘I feel blessed and grateful to the organisers and judges of the Australian Women in Wine Awards for all their work promoting women in wine in Australia and globally and for the award.  Also, to Wine Australia for their contribution.  It’s a love story of nature, the earth, great wine, family, friends and colleagues. And what a great city to be to win. I am over the moon about it’, she said.

After 48 hours of travel to get here, Ulrika Larsson said, ‘Standing here in New York City among all the fabulous, strong and influential wine women still feels surreal.  To win this award and to be mixing with all these awesome ladies gives me confidence and inspiration to continue doing what I love, working in Cellar Door.’

The event was also live streamed to the Australian Women in Wine Facebook page and watched during breakfast and morning-tea by many across Australia, as well a group in Margaret River at the Margaret River Collective.

Amanda Whiteland, MRWA CEO said, ‘It was so fantastic to be here in New York with Vanya, Ulrika and all the other women in wine to celebrate the talent and passion we have in Margaret River’.

‘The AWIWA kicks off Wine Australia’s largest ever promotion in the USA, which also includes a six-city roadshow, which has 17 Margaret River wineries participating and is expected to attract 2,500 American wine trade attendees across the New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco events.’

‘This is significant opportunity for Margaret River to increase its position in the USA, the world’s largest and most attractive market, and it is great to be here waving the flag’, she said.

Wine Unearthed is Margaret River region’s new podcast series that explores the people, the extraordinary natural environment and the wineries. Get beneath the region’s skin and understand why Lonely Planet named this special part of Western Australia as its favourite place in the Asia Pacific for 2019.
With rich sounds and even richer characters, Wine Unearthed will allow you to experience the region at a deeper level. Meet an Aboriginal cultural custodian, get inside the head of a big wave surfer, hear from the family that got Sting to sing at their winery and laugh at a story of near-miss love. Oh, and there will be wine to taste too! You might just have to buy a bottle of good Margaret River red while you tune into these local sounds.

Download Wine Unearthed from Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

The podcast series is supported by the International Wine Tourism Grant funded by Wine Australia, Margaret River Wine Association, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, South West Development Commission and Australia’s South West.

The 2020 Halliday Wine Companion Awards were presented in Melbourne on 7 August 2019 and Margaret River dominated the night winning Winemaker of the Year, Best Value Winery of the Year and the largest number of Best of Varietal Awards.

Organic and bio-dynamic winemaker, Vanya Cullen was named Winemaker of the Year at the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

“I am really happy for all of Cullen Wines.  I am the face, if you like, but it is a whole team of people including the vineyard guys Matt Dermody, Andy Barrett-Lennard and everyone” she said.

This is the second year in a row that a Margaret River Winemaker has received Winemaker of the Year, with Julian Langworthy of Deep Woods Estate bringing home the award last year.

Domaine Naturaliste was named the Best Value Winery of the Year recognising the wines as both great quality and great value.

Bruce Dukes, Domaine Naturaliste’s Winemaker, emotionally said “It is an honour that out of around 2,600 produces in Australia that Domaine Naturaliste of Margaret River has been chosen by Australia’s greatest and most experienced wine expert for this award.  Margaret River has a set of natural conditions which suit the farming of grapes very well.  I feel blessed to be able to live and work in in such a wonderful region.”

The awards also saw masses of Margaret River winemakers make the trip to Melbourne to collect five Best of Varietal Awards for Best Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet and family, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.

Australia’s Best of Varietal winners were:

Amanda Whiteland, Margaret River Wine Association CEO said “James Halliday is Australia’s most influential and respected wine critic and having James and his tasting team award Margaret River wines, winemakers and wineries as the best in Australia is wonderful recognition for our region’s world-class quality, talent and unique grape growing conditions.

More major results for Margaret River wines can be found here.

The full results are published in the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion, or see www.winecompanion.com.au/resources/awards/2020

Previous Margaret River Halliday Wine Companion Award Winners:

Winemaker of the Year and Best Value Winery of the Year were first awarded in the 2015 edition.

Congratulations to Settlers Tavern!

Gourmet Traveller WINE Australia’s 2019 Wine List of the Year Awards
2019 Best Wine List WA
2019, 2018 & 2017 Best Listing of WA Wines
2019 Hall of Fame

The Gourmet Traveller WINE Judges review:

Settlers Tavern was the state winner for Western Australia in the 2019 Wine list of the Year Awards.

Settlers Tavern continues to resist any easy definition. Its heart belongs to the producers and the wines of Margaret River, its home.  It offers the best listing of Margaret River wines of any restaurant anywhere, this year adding aged lovelies such as the 2005 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by 100ml pour via the magic of the Coravin preservation system.

Vintage. Arguably the most important date on any vignerons’ calendar, it’s when the culmination of a whole year’s worth of decision making gets picked and turned into the fine drops of wine we’ve come to know and love.

There’s certain things that producers can control every year, but it’s the things they can’t – vintners are at the mercy of the weather gods, who effect everything from grape ripening to vine health – that makes winemaking so complex and challenging.

As this year’s vintage starts to hit the shelves, let’s reflect on this year’s harvest.

A late start to harvest

The Margaret River Wine Region kicked off the year with a late harvest, starting in early March and continuing on into late April-early May – two to three weeks later than previous years.

A drop in temperature

So why the late harvest? It’s due to the drop in average temperature recorded during the months prior to vintage. Since August 2018, temperatures in the Margaret River region have been slightly cooler than annual averages logged in the region between 2010 and 2018. This is in stark contrast to weather patterns in other states’ wine regions, most of which experienced warmer climates/heat waves at the beginning of this year.

A cool advantage
“The mild, cooler weather experienced during late 2018 has been quite beneficial for ripening, while the heavy rain incident in January 2019 had no negative effect on the vines, but instead recharged the soil water for the later ripening varieties,” says Margaret River Wine Association Chief Executive Officer Amanda Whiteland. Vignerons have noted parallels with the region’s 2017 vintage, with white varieties exhibiting natural acidity and varietal characteristics well preserved by cool, extended ripening conditions.

A lower yield, but strong consistency
There was a complete absence of Marri blossom in the region, which saw pressure on crops from hungry bees, silver eyes, red cheeked honey eaters and parrots. Along with mild summer temperatures, this resulted in grape yields lower than last year, but harvested crops are showing a consistent quality that the region has long been renowned for.

A strong vintage for white varieties

Thanks to unseasonable rains in January, which helped freshen up white grapes during their final ripening phase, a strong Chardonnay vintage has been recorded by most producers, with good fruit intensity and ferments looking promising. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are also showing great flavour for producers that braved the region’s weather events.

A long stint for red

Red varieties were set up for a long stint of tannin ripening, with vine canopies in great shape. Winemakers were thankful for beautiful weather until the end of April that allowed their red varieties to grow and develop a full ripeness prior to picking.

See the Margaret River 2019 Vintage Report here.

Lonely Planet has named Margaret River & Southern WA as the Best in Asian-Pacific 2019. It is the first time an Australian destination has taken out the top spot since Lonely Planet’s Best In lists started 15 years ago!
“Take one look at Meelup Beach and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life: the West Australian bush parts to reveal ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is typical of the coastline stretching from Margaret River to the state’s south. Beyond the sand, some of the country’s slickest wineries, breweries and restaurants lie between tracts of tall-tree forest and kangaroo-dotted farmland.” 

We are thrilled to announce Joe Czerwinski Managing Editor, Robert Parker Wine Advocate as this year’s International Judge at the Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show and Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge, which will take place  from 28th to 31st October 2019.

“I’m looking forward to my fourth visit to Margaret River. I know from past experience that the Cabernets and Chardonnays are world class, but one of the great things about judging regional shows is that you often get to see the full gamut of what’s being produced there.” said Joe.

Joe will be joining a team of exceptional judges from around Australia led by David Brookes in his first year as Chair of Judges.

David Brookes said “Margaret River is in fine form at the moment with a wonderful run of quality vintages and uniformly excellent wines across the region. It is a great honour to step in as chair of the Margaret River Wine Show after the fantastic show results of departing chair, Corrina Wright and the wonderful job she has done for the past three years. I’m also very much looking forward to working with the cracking team of judges who have been assembled for the 2019 Margaret River Wine Show including the renown palate of our visiting international judge, Joe Czerwinski from the U.S.A.”

Margaret River winemakers took home 3 out of 5 Young Gun of Wine 2019 awards.

The PEOPLE’S CHOICE, as decided by the public at tasting events in Melbourne and Sydney, was given to Liv Maiorana and Mijan Patterson of South by South West. “Winning People’s Choice for us is epic, making wine to share is what the South West is all about, but ultimately we make it for people who are going to drink it and it’s so humbling that they enjoy it,” said Liv.

The WINEMAKER’S CHOICE, decided by the Final 12 winemakers, was taken out by Remi Guise of tripe.Iscariot. Remi was naturally honoured to get the nod form his peers: “Winemakers Choice is one of those furiously coveted awards, it is the respect of your peers, all of whom are as critical and exacting as you are. To have the caliber of winemakers, who all make wines of such esteem and sense of place, elect me as a favourite is truly amazing and humbling.”

The BEST NEW ACT went to winemaking duo, Rhys Parker and Paul Hoffman from Vallée du Venom, who make wines in the Margaret River and Swan Valley. Rhys Parker enthused on their win, “Hoffy and I are very humbled to be amongst so many talented winemakers and bloody good wines! We’re stoked!”

younggunofwine.com

Gourmet Traveller WINE has recently announced their Australian Cellar Door Awards, with seven Margaret River wineries included. Be sure to add these to the list for your next visit!

Star Winery/Best Cellar Door
Amelia Park (pictured above)

Best Large Cellar Door
Juniper Estate

Best Small Cellar Door
Victory Point

Cellar Door with the Best Food
Vasse Felix

Best Tasting Experience
Voyager Estate

Best Additional Experience (Tours)
Evoi

Our Favourite Places to Stay
Cape Lodge

Visit the full list at Gourmet Traveller WINE or plan your wine trail here.

 

Part II – Risky business 

When it comes to history, Margaret River pales in comparison to other wine regions in Australia. But what it lacks in age it makes up in originality. And it’s all thanks to a handful of risk takers who became the pioneers of a young, dynamic wine region that’s since withstood the test of time.

Dr Tom Cullity
Renowned for planting Margaret River’s first commercial vineyard, Dr Tom Cullity was first a respected cardiologist. While in Britain, he discovered European wines, and upon returning home, set himself a mission to make fine wines in WA. Establishing an 8-acre vineyard in Cowaramup called Vasse Felix, he went on to plant the vineyard’s first vines – Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec plantings – which still grow at the site today.

Dr Kevin Cullen & Diana Cullen
Western Australia’s first recipient of a Doctorate of Medicine, Dr Kevin Cullen, moved to Busselton in 1947 to run his own practice. During this time, Dr Cullen and his wife Diana purchased land in Wilyabrup, where they tried their hand at farming. In 1971, they made the decision to plant vines on their land. Diana started producing wine, and it wasn’t long before she was turning heads with her award-winning drops.

Dr Bill Pannell
While doing his residency at Royal Perth Hospital and King Edward Maternity Hospital, Dr Bill Pannell found a site on Metricup Road for Moss Wood – one of the region’s founding wineries. After finishing his residency, Bill and wife Sandra moved to Busselton in 1970.  Their 1975 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon, from six-year-old vines adn the winery’s third vintage, was unquestionably the outstanding wine of the region’s first decade.

Denis & Trish Horgan
Denis and Trish Horgan bought a plumbing business in 1969, and with it, a Margaret River grazing property. In 1973, US-based wine world legend, Robert Mondavi, expressed interest in purchasing the property – today’s Leeuwin Estate. On Robert’s advice, Denis and Trish started planting vines, including Chardonnay, which led to Leeuwin Estate’s most iconic wine, the ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay.

Part I – Young love

Established in the late 1960s, the Margaret River Wine Region has a relatively short history in wine production compared to other Australian wine regions, and is arguably the first wine region in Australia to be selected on the basis of good science.

It started with University of California Viticulture Professor Harold Olmo, who recommended the planting of wine grapes in Western Australia in 1955.  University of Western Australia agronomist Dr John Gladstones then published a research paper in 1966 that examined the Margaret River’s suitability for viticulture. He believed that the only possible disadvantage of the region could be its heavy winter rainfall, which would necessitate choosing vineyard land that had good drainage.

This paper had a significant influence on the Margaret River Wine Region pioneers.  The following year, in 1967, the region’s first modern commercial vineyard was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec at Vasse Felix, by Dr Tom Cullity (pictured above). The first Chardonnay vines were then planted at Leeuwin Estate, Cullen Wines, Ashbrook Estate and Moss Wood in 1976.

Fast forward 50 years, and Margaret River Wine has built an international reputation as a fine wine stalwart, renowned world-round for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends. And although the industry is made up of just over 160 boutique wine producers who make less than 2% of Australia’s wine, it is heavily regarded as one of the world’s – not just Australia’s – finest wine regions. We think that’s a pretty impressive feat for an industry bred on science, and grown from love.

It has been a late start to harvest in the Margaret River Wine Region, due to cooler spring and summer weather conditions. 

Since August 2018, temperatures in the Margaret River region have been slightly cooler than annual averages recorded in the region between 2010 and 2018. This is in stark contrast to weather patterns recorded in other states’ wine regions, most of which experienced warmer climates/heat waves at the beginning of this year. 

Due to this temperature decrease, the 2019 vintage has started in late February, two to three weeks later than normal for most wineries in the Margaret River region. 

Margaret River Wine Association Chief Executive Officer Amanda Whiteland says it is expected the 2019 Margaret River Wine Region harvest would end in late April-early May. 

“The climate differential emulates similar circumstances experienced during the 2017 vintage, when harvest began late February and ended late April,” Ms Whiteland says. “The mild, cooler weather experienced during late 2018 has been quite beneficial for ripening, and the heavy rain incident in January 2019 was very timely due to the later season, recharging the soil water and setting the vineyards up nicely. 

“Yields are looking lower than last year but with diligent vineyard management, such as green thinning, Margaret River’s ability to produce a consistent high-quality vintage can be assured.” 

Voyager Estate Winemaking and Viticulture Manager Steve James says: “We are very happy with the Chardonnay fruit that we are currently harvesting.” 

“This recent spell of nice warm weather has really moved things along quite significantly. The temperatures, whilst not hot, have been very conducive to high functioning of the grapevine and, I believe we are on track for another excellent season.” 

Fogarty Group Head Viticulturist John Fogarty says: “We have seen great quality in whites so far, with flavour building in most varieties quite early due to the mild longer ripening season. Chardonnay has had great sugar and acid balance this season, while reds are building flavour and ripening with some pace behind the whites.” 

(Image – Voyager Estate Vineyard)

Margaret River Nocturne Cabernet Sauvignon continues a dream run from Julian and Alana Langworthy, winning the third Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge.

Alana Langworthy said “We are super excited to be recognised as this year’s pinnacle of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Winning the Halliday Cabernet Challenge is a dream come true and an amazing triumph for our single vineyard Nocturne wine.

The Cabernet Challenge provides an opportunity for Australian producers of Cabernet Sauvignon to participate in a varietal competition of great national and international interest.”

The 2018 challenge was judged in conjunction with the Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show last month. Cabernet Sauvignon of all vintages are eligible and judged by region without judges knowing which region they were officiating.

Wines achieving a Gold Medal score (95 points and over) were selected to determine the Best of Region wine, then each Regional Winner was judged again for the Trophy.

Chair of Judges, Corrina Wright said “To be able to taste the best of the best in Cabernet around the country is quite an honour. It was a super hard fought battle to choose the winning wine, a lot of discussion and a number of worthy cabernets from across the country vying for the title. Cabernet in Australia is in a good place, and seems to be getting better and better every year. I commend to you the regional finalists and winners.”

 The Stella Bella team celebrated last night after taking home five Trophies from the 2018 Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show, including Most Successful Exhibitor and Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Show. 

The 2018 Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show attracted 112 exhibitors and 723 entries to the 17th Margaret River Wine Show, with judging at Ramada Resort Dunsborough and the Wine Show Gala Dinner at Leeuwin Estate. 

Naming Rights Partner, Langton’s Head of Sales Alex Jenkins said “Langton’s is again proud to be the Major sponsor of the 2018 Margaret River Wine Show. The Margaret River Wine Association is doing a tremendous job shining a light on this unique and important Australian wine region. Though our support we hope to help recognise and reward the many men and women who work tirelessly in the pursuit of excellence. We congratulate not only all the winners of the awards, but the community as a whole, who’s constant drive for excellence as a region deserves to be recognised” 

Third-time Chair of Judges, Corrina Wright from Oliver’s Taranga said “Again, Margaret River showed that it is a quadruple-threat region, with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon leading the charge, Semillon/Sauvignon blends & Rose fast picking up speed.” 

Corrina led the team of 21 judges and associate judges who awarded 368 medals, 54 Gold, 83 Silver and 231 Bronze, in addition to following major trophies and awards: 

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Show 

Stella Bella Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2017 

Seguin Moreau Trophy for Red Wine of Show 

Nocturne Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 

 Labelmakers Group Trophy for White Wine of Show 

Stella Bella Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2017 

Vinline Mobile Bottling Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor 

Stella Bella 

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Provenance 

Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnay 2009, 2012, 2017 

Singapore Airlines International Judge’s Trophy 

Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnay 2017 

SWAT Winery Equipment Specialists Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon 

Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 

Capel Storage & Transport Trophy for Best Chardonnay 

Stella Bella Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2017 

Tonnellerie de Mercurey Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red 

Nocturne Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 

Portavin Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White 

Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnay 2017 

Cospak / Saverglass Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 

Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot 2017 

VA Filtration / Memstar Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc 

Deep Woods Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2018 

BFL Trophy for Best Blend of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon 

Watershed Premium Wines The Farm Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 

Nadalie Trophy for Best Oaked White other than Chardonnay 

Higher Plane Fume Blanc 2018 

CHEP Trophy for Best Shiraz 

Juniper Crossing Shiraz 2017 

Chr. Hansen Trophy for Best Rosé 

Coward & Black Lady Margo Rosé 2018 

Laffort Trophy for Best Other Blend or Varietal 

Marq Malbec 2017 

Lifetime Achievement Awards 

Dr Tom Cullity (Posthumously) 

John Brocksopp 

Bob Cartwright 

Clairault | Streicker Viticultural Excellence Award 

Steve Martin, Stella Bella 

Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association Wine Tourism Excellence Award Winner 

Emily Bromell, Howard Park Wines 

MRWA Chair, Barry House presented three Lifetime Achievement Awards, Clairault | Streiker presented the Viticulture Excellence Award and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) presented the inaugural Wine Tourism Excellence Award. 

Margaret River Wine Association CEO, Amanda Whiteland said “It is great to see all facets of the wine industry acknowledged at our Gala night and the Wine Tourism Excellence Award was a great new addition to the celebrations last night.” 

Wine Show Chairman Cliff Royle said, “Corrina Wright did a great job sharing her insights and leading the strong group of judges from around Australia, as well as Eddie McDougall, international judge from Hong Kong, and Madeline Stenwreth MW from Sweden. As Corrina’s last year as Chair of Judges, we look forward to welcoming Dave Brooks in 2019.” 

TV personality behind the Discovery Channel and Netflix series, ‘The Flying Winemaker’, Eddie McDougall joined as this year’s International Judge, supported by Singapore Airlines, to provide an important international perspective to Margaret River’s regional wine show. 

Eddie said “There is not a shadow of a doubt that the Margaret River Wine Show is an incredible forum for highlighting some of Australia’s most noble wine interpretations. Witnessing first-hand the region’s capability to produce global benchmarks for Chardonnay and Cabernet blends is a testament I am excited to share amongst the international wine community.” 

Langton’s 2018 Margaret River Wine Show Judges were: 

Corina Wright – Oliver’s Taranga Chair of Judges 

Eddie McDougall – International Judge 

Glenn Barry – Tonic Wines 

Dave Brooks – Wine Marketing Labs 

Melanie Chester – Sutton Grange Estate 

Sandrine Gimon Winemaker – Wine Rage Consulting 

Alex Hudak – Pure Wine Co 

Robert Mann Winemaker – Corymbia 

Kate Morgan Winemaker – Ipso Facto Wines & Byron & Harold Est 

Sarah Pidgeon – Wynns Coonawarra Estate 

Ben Portet Senior Winemaker – Dominique Portet 

Simon Steele Chief Winemaker – Medhurst Wines 

Adam Wadewitz – Shaw + Smith