By Fergal Gleeson
Goon Tycoons Grenache 2017 RRP $28
The Goon Tycoons focus on small batch wine making from vineyards across Margaret River and Great Southern. Their tagline is “three young guys who have been in the wine industry for many years who are out and about on good behaviour.”
They’ve got an intriguing range including Teroldego, Chenin, Rieslings, a field blend Rosé and a whole bunch Shiraz. The branding targets a hip audience rather than granny’s dinner table but gran could enjoy this too!
This is made from old bush vine Grenache from Frankland River. It’s a pretty wine with floral and spicy notes, light tannins and a bright refreshing finish.
Aravina Estate Limited Release Grenache Shiraz Merlot RRP $30
Aravina Estate is a significant tourist destination in Margaret River, apart from the cellar door there is a restaurant, sports car gallery, a kitchen garden and the West Australian Surf Gallery.
Winemaker Ryan Aggiss hits the right notes with this Grenache led blend making a juicy and refreshing wine. It’s a blend of 50% Frankland River and 50% Margaret River fruit. Tannins are light in this medium bodied wine which has an almost rosé like lifted finish.
Also look out for their Limited Release Tempranillo and Shiraz, which are excellent.
Happs Three Hills Malbec 2016 RRP $38
Three Hills is the premium range from Happs made from the best fruit and vintages. The range includes exotics such as Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. They come in heavy weight bottles which are serial numbered.
Happs Three Hills Malbec 2016 is darker than ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’! While technically a red wine it’s black in colour.
Malbec (or Cot) has French origins where it manifests in robust wines. Three Hills take this French reference rather than the soft and fruity Argentinian Malbecs that we see more of in Australia.
Powerful with dark fruit flavours and a dense inky texture. It’s a full bodied wine that lovers of big Cabernet or Shiraz will appreciate.
This is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the winter edition of Your Margaret River Region Magazine
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