By Fergal Gleeson
Rosily Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 RRP $22
The first Rosily Vineyards wine I tasted was an SSB. I was impressed and wanted to find out more about this ‘under the radar’ little winery.
If you haven’t drank a Rosily then the 2018 SSB would be a good place to start too. It’s a harmonious blend of the two varieties with racy acid and the added complexity and texture of a little oak ageing.
Rosily are certified organic since 2017 and this blend has enjoyed considerable wine show success over the years. They form part of an excellent range that is unpretentious and hard to fault. Cellar door open at weekends and holidays.
Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 RRP $26
Zippy and zesty, there’s a lively acid dance that tingles on the tongue. A synergistic blend that gets the best from both varieties and shows why Margaret River is so far ahead of the rest of Australia in this style.
It has the purity of Riesling and is simple but very well done. Screams out for seafood, a picnic and good times. Cape Mentelle are one of the region’s founding and leading wineries.
A high quality range is crafted by French Winemaker Frederique Perrin. The Cellar Door is open daily with a variety of options of tastings and private tours. Events include Cape Mentelle at the Movies and the International Cabernet Challenge.
http://www.capementelle.com.au
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 RRP $32
Moss Wood Semillon and this SBS offer wine lovers access to Moss Wood quality at a lower price than their iconic reds. The SBS shows great intensity and persistence.
It’s steely rather than the tropical fruit riot seen in some Marlborough Sauvignons. The wine has seen some barrel fermentation for texture but has no impact on flavour.
Moss Wood are one of Margaret River’s earliest wineries and make a range of wines recognised as among the best in the region. Visits to Moss Wood are by appointment.
Voyager Estate Project Ull Semillon 2016 RRP $38
Voyager Estate excels at the classics such as Cabernet and Chardonnay but there’s also plenty of innovation in their transition to certified organic winemaking and in their Project wines.
The Project wines are small batch wines made from special parcels of fruit. In this case Semillon, normally blended with Sauvignon Blanc, is given a leading role. Racy Semillon citrus flavours are enhanced with extra depth and complexity by some time in oak. It’s subtle but oh so sophisticated!
Available from the Cellar Door or Voyager website. The Cellar door and restaurant, which was awarded ‘Regional Restaurant of the Year’ by the 2018 WA Good Food Guide, is open daily.
http://www.voyagerestate.com.au
Windows Estate Petit Lot Fume Blanc 2018 RRP $38
Windows is a small family owned winery to look out for. They hold a 5 Star Halliday rating and will be certified organic from December 2019.
The philosophy is that great wines are made in the vineyard and they try to do things differently to the larger commercial wineries. This is not about cloudy wines but an attention to detail that it evident in the bottle as well as in the beautiful labels.
The Fume Blanc is a superlative Sauvignon Blanc that is matured in oak. There’s a liveliness and vibrancy to the wine that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and forces you to take notice. Pleasure is enhanced by the oak ageing. Immediately brought to mind some great wines from the Loire.
Part of the “Small Family Wine Trail”. Cellar Door open daily offering many wine tasting experiences.
From Your Margaret River Region Magazine
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