Summer in the South West

As we all know, summer in Perth can at times be a little arduous. The daily grind of work, commuting, school, whatever it is that you do, is made even harder when our temperatures soar to the 40 degree mark. And when you are at work, sitting in the heat, it is an escape to think about getting away to somewhere as beautiful and peaceful as the South West of WA. This is exactly what I did.

Heading down to Dunsborough and Margaret River at any given opportunity is always a highlight for me. Having lived and worked there for several years, I always miss the beautiful beaches and the lush, green, tree-lined roads, surrounded by vineyards. You could be anywhere in the world, but it is hard to compare many destinations with such a mix of scenery. When I visit even now, I like to spend my time down in the Margaret River wine region exploring the little shops that line the streets of the towns, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, and lazing on the beach with a glass of wine.

And how can we forget wine? You can’t go to the Margaret River Region without exploring the multitudes of wineries and tasting the wines they have on offer. There are so many to choose from. From small, boutique wineries that just have a little cellar door, to wineries that have cafés and restaurants attached that serve beautiful food to pair with the wines they produce, to the bigger producers where you can try wines you have tried many times before, along with wines that they may only produce for Cellar Door visitors.

So while I was in our lovely south-west, relaxing by the beach with family and friends, soaking up the sun and getting my annual dose of Vitamin D, I did consume some excellent wine produced by wineries that have been fixtures for quite some time in Margaret River. Check some of them out… you can almost taste the sunshine and the sea-breeze in every glass.

Deep Woods ‘Ivory’ Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009

This wine is gloriously pungent the minute you pour it into the glass. You inhale the aromas of green peas, and lashings of tropical fruits. The palate presents hints of passionfruit and lychee, with that touch of green herbaceousness coming from the pea character seen on the nose of the wine. A whack of lemon and lime sherbet provides a persistent length of zesty acidity, which finishes this wine off nicely. A very crisp and refreshing wine for a hot summer’s day. And perfect with a big plate of the freshest catch, straight out of the Indian Ocean. $13.50 RRP

Amberley Estate ‘Chimney Brush’ Chenin Blanc

Tasting Amberley’s Chenin Blanc, the bouquet brings forth an abundance of fresh, ripe pineapple and red apples, with a hint of straw-like notes coming through. The ripeness of pineapple and apples follow through on the palate, with the addition of passionfruit and lychee, which brings about the lush fruit-sweetness that this wine has become known for. The wine has a slight acid lift on the finish, but you are left with the luscious tropical fruits that make this wine so approachable. $14.50 RRP

MadFish ‘Sideways’ Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008

Aromas of ripe blackberry fruit and blackcurrants abound in this wine, with some herbaceous notes reminiscent of tomato leaf and a hint eucalyptus entice you to take a sip and discover what flavours await you. The palate, which at first had a hit of warmth from the alcohol (14.5%), which distracts you from the character of the wine, settled within half an hour or so. The wine opened up to show again the rich, black fruits and ripe plums, so consistent with its bouquet. The underlying characters of menthol and eucalyptus, along with some dusty tannins and an earthy quality adding complexity, make for an interesting, eminently drinkable wine. $20.00 RRP

Evans & Tate Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2007

A lovely bouquet of ripe black cherries and black berry fruits, with hints of coffee and chocolate and subtle leafy characters. The palate is consistent with the aromatics, the same ripe, black fruits; chocolate and leafiness give the wine a fleshy mouthfeel with some fine, emery tannins. The dusty cedar notes show the complexity of French Oak treatment, but are well balanced with the ripe, rich fruit in the wine. A lot of flavour here, quite delicious. $20.00 RRP

Mantra Shiraz 2008

I have to say I was really impressed by this one.  My preference has leaned towards the offerings of Cabernet Sauvignon of late, but this Shiraz has so many aromas and flavours that I love in a wine; it is a hard one to go past for me. Sticking your nose into a glass of this wine exposes a captivating array of spices, such as white pepper, fennel and anise, integrated with ripe, black fruits and hints of vanillan oak. Not waiting any longer to take a big mouthful, the palate is just as I had hoped. Beautifully consistent with the bouquet, the rich, mouth-filling blackberry fruit comes together with the white pepper spice, vanillan, and fine, dusty tannins. Rich, silky, and an absolute pleasure to consume. $25.00 RRP.

Stella Bella Shiraz 2007

Stella Bella can do no wrong in my book at present. I recently tasted their entire range at a trade tasting, and was exceptionally impressed by the range. On opening their 2007 Shiraz again, this time intending to have more than just a little tasting glass serving, once again was not disappointed. The aroma of musty, forest floor was intense right off the bat, with stewed black plums and the sweetness of spice inviting me in. From the bouquet of the wine, you expect to taste a rich, fruit-filled wine with interesting complexity, and that is exactly what you get. A bevy of stewed, dark fruit intermingled with sweet spices, and cedar and vanilla notes. A well-integrated tannin structure gives this wine great balance, and leaves you thinking about the wine long after it has passed through your lips. Shiraz is definitely back on my agenda. $27.00 RRP