By Fergal Gleeson
Smallwater Estate
2015 Roze
Smallwater Estate is the most awarded boutique winery in the Geographe region. The onsite restaurant takes advantage of its unique and picturesque location overlooking dams and vines and beyond to the beautiful rolling hills and forests of the district. The Marron fish served at the restaurant come from the dam on the property.
Proprietor John Small says “Our Roze is a dry style that goes well with Cheese. I have always referred to it as a man’s Rosé! This style is really starting to get traction in the Perth market.” The 2015 Roze has collected seven wine show medals. The 2018 Roze is coming soon.
Winemaker’s notes:
Brilliant ruby pink, light intensity colour made from the Zinfandel grape. Very lifted aroma of musk lifesavers and ripe raspberries and rose petal. The palate is full and sweet fruited with mixed berry flavours finishing with crisp cleansing acid.
Talisman Wines
2018 Arida Rosé
The West Australian Wine Guide 2017 Small Producer of the Year and a 5 Star rated Halliday winery. The Talisman vineyard is situated high in the hills of the Ferguson Valley. The unique site is surrounded by the Wellington National Park and was initially purchased by the Robinson family for its extreme beauty as a weekend escape for the family. Talisman Wines was started in 2009. The 2017 Arida won best Rosé at the Geographe and Alternatives Wine Show.
Notes
Pale salmon in colour this is 100% Cabernet and undergoes a wild barrel fermentation with about 7 weeks in oak. Nose: Subtle savoury varietal Cabernet characteristics of capsicum and tomato leaf with juicy raspberry and a hint of rose petal. Taste: dry and fresh with complex lees characters which will continue to enhance and soften the wine in the coming months.
Vineyard 28
2017 Moscato
Vineyard 28 is a family owned boutique vineyard and winery run by Mark & Pippa Cumbers who have made their home here. Take the time to visit them at their cellar door and experience the Italian grape varieties and wine styles that they are passionate about growing and making. These include rare Australian plantings of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Arneis which are native to Piedmont. Cellar door and Quilt Shop open daily 10am to 5pm.
Winemaker’s notes:
A touch of pink as it is made from Muscat Rouge a Petit Grains. Rich apricot and peach characters assail the palate. Wonderful light sweetness with a clean crisp finish. Fun, spritzy and zesty. Excellent as an aperitif wine with fresh fruit and cheese platters. A wine to be enjoyed young and fresh. ‘Geographe Best Sweet Table Wine’ at the 2017 Geographe and WA Alternative Varieties Wine Show
Willow Bridge
2018 Rosa De Solana
Willow Bridge (along with Capel Vale) is the other large winery in Geographe. It was established by Jeff and Vicky Dewar in 1997 with the purchase of a breathtaking 180 hectare site in the Ferguson Valley. Willow Bridge have an extensive range but there is a real focus on value for money wines with the majority on offer for less than $30. They are a 5 star rated Halliday Winery.
Winemaker’s notes:
The Willow Bridge Rosa De Solana highlights the purity and vibrancy of the Tempranillo grape. A wonderful array of fresh fruit flavour, scented spice and intense palate punch, suited to the spring and summer months! Estate grown from the spectacular hillside vineyard in the Ferguson Valley, fruit is sourced from the Cameron block which was planted in 2009. The purity of forest berries are evident on a juicy palate, creamy and almost chalky with a light savoury finish.
Windfall Estate Wines
Single Handed Rosé 2017
Until recently known as Bonking Frog Wines, this small boutique winery was originally dedicated to Merlot which they made in a variety of styles including a reserve and a Rosé. Merlot still dominates the range but they have expanded it to include The Frog Song Sauvignon Blanc which is sourced from the Ferguson Valley as well as Frog Song Shiraz and Single Handed Chardonnay from Great Southern. Self-contained accommodation is available at the Vineyard Cottage.
Winemaker’s notes:
Vibrant cherry red colour made from 100% Merlot. Fresh and vibrant flavours of sweet cherries and raspberries are given complexity by hints of savoury spice. Perfect with Spicy Pad Thai or Peri Peri Chicken Wings.
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