By Fergal Gleeson*

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your toes….”

No, it isn’t Christmas but it is Winter in Australia when things get slightly colder! Picture the scene: a platter of slow cooked meat, a boat of homemade gravy, rich roasted vegetables are on the table, you’re wearing that ancient Aran sweater again, despite the feedback.

So let that belt buckle out a notch and fetch yourself a glass of red. Here are three from Margaret River to savour this season……

Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

“It’s extraordinary how stunning the middle truly is!” says Chief Winemaker at Vasse Felix, Virginia Wilcock. What is she talking about? Vasse Felix have entry level and prestige offerings but the real value is in the middle.

Filius has a fragrant dark fruit nose which follows through to the silky texture on the palate. Tannins stand discreetly at the back of the hall. The other ‘middle’ is Vasse Felix Cabernet (RRP $45) which is more structured. Though enjoyable now, it is also engineered to last two decades. As the region’s first winery, you’ll be drinking a bit of history.

RRP $28                www.vassefelix.com.au

Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Lovely floral aromas lead to a red that has structure, complexity and intensity. This is 86% Cabernet with support from other Bordeaux varietals. It has black fruit, cedar oak and a refreshing finish. An orchestra needs time to tune up. Because of Parterre’s structure it improves an hour after opening the bottle. The balance and integration of all the elements is there to see. Parterre is keenly priced for such a sophisticated wine. Impressive.

RRP $45                www.frasergallopestate.com.au

 

Aravina Estate Wildwood Ridge Cabernet Reserve 2013

There are many strings to the Aravina Estate bow. Apart from the Winery there’s a Cellar door, Restaurant, a function room for Weddings or Business, a Kitchen Garden and an Orchard. There’s even a Sports Car Gallery for petrol heads. There’s also Aravina Estate Reserve Cabernet which has picked up plenty of medals and points from Australia’s leading wine critics. Not hard to see why, the sour cherry flavours are gently cloaked in tannin making for an easy drinking and approachable wine. It’s more loose limbed than most elite cabernets at this stage.

RRP $55                www.aravinaestate.com

This is a modified excerpt from an article, which appeared in the winter edition of Your Margaret River Region Magazine. For more Wine Reviews read and follow www.greatwineblog.com  Drink and be merry!

*Finalist- New Wine Writer of the Year 2016- WCA /Gourmet Traveller WINE