Western Australia Wine Case

Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon

Vibrant characteristic aromas of ripe black fruits and subtle spicy, toasty oak lead to a generous palate of juicy cassis, supple tannins and savoury overtones.

Vineyard
The Cabernet Sauvignon comes predominantly from the estate-grown Houghton clone, which provides a balance of fruit-driven flavours, impeccable structure and fine tannins. The vineyard’s ancient granite soils are amongst the oldest on the planet, with an abundance of ironstone gravel. These free-draining soils have low water and nutrient holding capacities, providing the optimum growing conditions to achieve balance between foliage and fruit, and superb aroma and flavour intensity. The Indian and Southern Oceans meet here, engulfing the vineyards with fresh, sea breezes, promoting natural balance in the grapes. The vineyard is managed sustainably with an
wealth of sustainable strategies, including cover crops, promotion of biodiversity, water management and sheep grazing to manage weeds.

Vintage
Average winter rainfall, and a warm, dry spring set up an early start to the season. Variable fruit set resulted in lower yields, which combined with the warm summer saw one of the earliest harvests ever. Warm conditions continued throughout March, with all the reds harvested by April. 2020 was an excellent vintage.
Winemaking
The fruit was crushed and destemmed then fermented in a combination of rotary and static fermenters at 26°C for five to seven days. A portion of the blend was left for a period of extended maceration on skins followed by a gentle pressing adding plushness and a savoury textural element to the wine. The various batches underwent malolactic conversion in a combination of tank and barrel before 14 months maturation in a selection French oak barriques (20% new).
Tasting Notes
Polished and opulent, with characteristic aromas of ripe black fruits and subtle spicy, toasty oak lead to a generous palate of moreish juicy cassis, supple tannins and savoury overtones.
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon 89%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 4%, Petit Verdot 2%

To find out more about the winery, click here to go to the website

Xanadu is a true pioneer of the Margaret River region producing fresh and vibrant coastal wines. The estate was established by Dr John Lagan, an Irishman, who arrived in Margaret River in 1968. Captivated by the pioneering spirit of the region, along with his wife Eithne, he planted his first vines in 1977. Inspired by the beauty of the setting, they named the property after the mysterious, idyllic paradise in Samuel Coleridge’s poem, Kubla Khan: Xanadu. True to its poetic namesake, Xanadu is in an idyllic setting, where 65 hectares of vines flourish on the original estate. Passionate and dedicated winemaker Glenn Goodall joined in 1999, combining intuitive winemaking, and a deep respect for the sustainably cultivated vineyard- which is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia- he produces world-class wines of distinction. Glenn was awarded Halliday’s ‘Best Winemaker of the Year Australia 2023’ and in 2018 Xanadu won the Jimmy Watson memorial trophy.

To see our full range of Xanadu wines click here

Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon

Capel Vale Debut Malbec

Capel Vale’s Regional Series wines are elegant and graceful; high quality wines that reflect varietal and regional characteristics.
Debut wines are fresh, fruity, exuberant wines which remain true at all times to their varietal origins
TASTING NOTE
A soft and juicy expression of Malbec, this wine shows flavours of rich plums dark cherries with a hint of tobacco.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The 2020 vintage at Capel Vale Wines was a tremendous vintage resulting in lower yields with exceptional quality fruit and high flavour concentration.
VINIFICATION DETAILS
The fruit is handpicked and undergoes open top fermentation. Older French barriques are used and ageing takes place over 6 months

To find out more about the winery go to the website by clicking here.

Capel Vale was the first winery in Western Australia to own and establish vineyards in the cool climate regions of Margaret River, Mount Barker and Geographe. As a result, Capel Vale now produces wines of definitive regional flavour and varietal expression with a focus on balance, complexity and elegant fruit flavours.

Capel Vale is a pioneer in WA with vines planted in 1974. The initial winery was built on the Stirling Estate in Capel in 1979 followed shortly thereafter with the first vintage made by Dr Peter Pratten in 1980.

The Capel River, adjacent to Capel Vale winery is home to many species of waterfowl, including the protected Sheldrake, or native Mountain Duck. When the Pratten family originally planted the vines in 1974, the Mountain Ducks constantly surrounded them, reminding them of their presence whilst they work.

The banks of the Capel River were deliberately untouched to allow the ducks to maintain their natural habitat and can still be seen today, squawking merrily along their way “symbolise what Capel Vale is all about”

You can see our full range of Capel Vale wines by clicking here

Capel Vale Debut Malbec

Circa 77 Chardonnay

A bright and refreshing coastal Chardonnay offering fresh pear, apple and grapefruit aromas layered with subtle oak. Delicately creamy with a deliciously zesty finish.

Vintage
A great summer led up to the vintage, although a rain event about a week before the start of harvest resulted in unusually humid conditions which required careful fruit selection in some vineyards. 2021 ended up being a more challenging season than usual, however the extra work in the vineyard ultimately paid dividends with some wonderfully elegant wines being produced as a result.
Vineyard
The Chardonnay vines were planted in 1977, hence the name Circa 77. The estate vines are the Gingin clone, known for its small bunches and its ‘hen and chicken’ (millerandage) berries that produce fruit of intense concentration with high, natural acidity. The vines flourish in Margaret River’s renowned ancient granite soils, which have an abundance of ironstone gravel. These free-draining soils have low water and nutrient holding capacities, providing the optimum growing conditions to achieve balance between foliage and fruit, and deliver superb aroma and flavour intensity. The Indian and Southern Oceans meet here, engulfing the vineyards with fresh, sea breezes, promoting natural balance. The vineyard is managed sustainably with an aim of continual improvement of the natural environment focussing on soil and vine health, including biodiversity and weed management from sheep grazing.
Winemaking
The fruit was pressed without crushing, retaining a proportion of solids in the juice after settling for 48 hours. 65% of the blend was wild yeast fermented in seasoned French oak barriques (only 6% new). 35% of the blend was tank fermented using a selected aromatic yeast. The lees were integrated throughout the wine in tank before being transferred into old oak for maturation. All batches received bâtonnage, which imparted texture throughout the nine-month maturation period.
Tasting Notes
A bright and refreshing coastal Chardonnay offering fresh pear, apple and grapefruit aromas layered with subtle oak. Delicately creamy with a deliciously zesty finish.
Grape
Chardonnay 100%

To find out more about the winery, click here to go to the website
Xanadu is a true pioneer of the Margaret River region producing fresh and vibrant coastal wines. The estate was established by Dr John Lagan, an Irishman, who arrived in Margaret River in 1968. Captivated by the pioneering spirit of the region, along with his wife Eithne, he planted his first vines in 1977. Inspired by the beauty of the setting, they named the property after the mysterious, idyllic paradise in Samuel Coleridge’s poem, Kubla Khan: Xanadu. True to its poetic namesake, Xanadu is in an idyllic setting, where 65 hectares of vines flourish on the original estate. Passionate and dedicated winemaker Glenn Goodall joined in 1999, combining intuitive winemaking, and a deep respect for the sustainably cultivated vineyard- which is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia- he produces world-class wines of distinction. Glenn was awarded Halliday’s ‘Best Winemaker of the Year Australia 2023’ and in 2018 Xanadu won the Jimmy Watson memorial trophy.

To see our full range of Xanadu wines click here

Circa 77 Chardonnay

Hamelin Bay Cabernet Sauvignon

Margaret River is renowned for producing some of Australia`s most elegant and refined red wines. This Bordeaux influenced dry red has oodles of style and class. Deep red in colour with a pink red hue. The bouquet is complex and varietal display of dusty, earthy blackberry and mocha. The palate is full bodied, rich and long with excellent sweetness and structure, fine but firm tannins.

To find out more about the winery go to http://www.hbwines.com.au

To see our range of Hamelin Bay wines go to http://www.auswinesonline.co.uk/product-category/hamelin-bay/

Hamelin Bay Wines in the Margaret River wine region was established by the Drake-Brockman family in 1992.  The family-run vineyard near Karridale is now also home to a cellar door and restaurant.

The Hamelin Bay winery is located at Karridale in the southern point of the region within a few miles of the ocean. The 63 acre `Five Ashes Vineyard` is located on well drained gravel soils and faces north across the valley to gain the sun`s warmth in this cool region. The wines themselves are an expression of the natural beauty and uniqueness of the area, the fruit ripens with an intensity of flavour and richness of character. Owned by the Drake-Brockman family, who have a long association with the area, they have in recent years, achieved great recognition and awards for their range of outstanding wines.

Margaret River’s world-class wine region is located in the South West of Western Australia.  Surrounded by ocean, the area is blessed with a maritime climate; wet winters and mild, dry summers.  Fine wines, abundant local gourmet food, pristine beaches and majestic forests combine to make the region a favourite tourist destination.

Our unique Five Ashes vineyard is one of Margaret River’s most picturesque vineyards.  The moderate maritime climate and a north facing ridge of prime gravely loam soils are ideal for premium quality grape growing.  The exceptional wine produced reflects these superb natural attributes of our 26 hectare vineyard.  The Whites are positioned on a cool Easterly slope with soils varying from prized Forest Grove gravels to Karri loams, whilst the Reds are situated on a warmer North-facing slope beneath the cellar door on deep, dark gravel loams.  The Whites exude freshness and elegance, and the Reds have restrained power and depth, both with distinctive and intense characters specific to each particular variety, block and site.  From our very first vintage, our wines have won awards thanks to the outstanding terroir influenced by perfect gravel soils, select aspects, and cool moderate maritime microclimate.

Hamelin Bay Cabernet Sauvignon

Three Lions Great Southern Chardonnay

The Plantagenet’s were the first truly armigerous royal dynasty of England meaning they were entitled to strike and bear various coats of arms. The arms of this noble, later royal, family, Gules, three lions passant guardant, termed colloquially “the arms of England” were first adopted by King Richard the Lionheart (1189–1199), son of King Henry II of England (1154–1189), son of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou (1113/17–1151).
These Three Lions signified royalty, history, power and a code of conduct that was instantly recognized wherever they were displayed.
So too with this range of wines. They are from the oldest established winery in Great Southern – they are wines with power and provenance. The Three Lion coat of arms of Plantagenet Wines is a recognized symbol of quality and prestige.

Three Lions Great Southern Chardonnay has lively flavours of grapefruit and lemon meringue are balanced by subtle richness, while nervy cool climate acidity brings great persistence and just a hint of minerality.

http://www.plantagenetwines.com/product/2017-Three-Lions-Chardonnay#.W5UtgfZFzIU

To see our full range of Plantagenet product go to https://www.auswinesonline.co.uk/product-category/plantagenet/

Plantagenet Wines embodies the best of the west with its distinctive wines of finesse and elegance. As a pioneer of the Great Southern region, Plantagenet’s reputation is celebrated for its rich heritage, its expressive wines and family-owned sensibility, making it one of the most trusted wine brands in the country.
The rich tapestry of the Plantagenet story begins in 1968, when English migrant Tony Smith envisaged great things for his land in Mount Barker. With his small inheritance, he bought a farm called Bouverie in the Plantagenet Shire and literally planted the seeds of the Plantagenet future – Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes bore the fruit of what would become some of the most highly awarded and sought after wines, both nationally and internationally. The fruit was picked in 1974 and the wines showed exciting potential, enough for Smith to convert a local apple packing shed into a winery and get to work making tight and lean Shiraz with typical regional spiciness and full-bodied cabernet. Embracing the conditions of the Great Southern’s cool climate, Smith went on to plant further varieties, including Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyards all benefit from their coastal proximity, enjoying abundant rainfall and cool twilight breezes from the neighbouring Southern Ocean.

Three Lions Great Southern Chardonnay – a great wine from a historic line

Three Lions Great Southern Shiraz

VINTAGE
2018 will be recorded as one of (if not the) best vintages in the Great Southern’s 50-year history. Ideal growing conditions throughout the entire season, with the ideal amount of winter and spring rains, resulted in excellent canopy development, flowering and fruit set. Cool, sunny conditions throughout veraison allowed for optimal picking and an easy harvest, with minimal disease or weather issues.
PRODUCER
The Three Lions wines are from Plantagenet. The name Plantagenet was given to the shire in Western Australia by early English settlers and was adopted by the winery when it was established in 1974. The arms of the Gules family, who later became the Plantagenet dynasty, were three lions passant guardant, termed colloquially “the arms of England”. They were first adopted by King Richard the Lionheart (reigned 1189– 1199), son of King Henry II of England (reigned 1154– 1189), and grandson of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou. Plantagenet the winery is self-sufficient, with 126 hectares of vineyard in Great Southern. All their wines are made from estate fruit. Their Three Lions label, with a link to the name Plantagenet, showcases the quality of grapes from across their various sites.
VINEYARDS
Grapes for the Three Lions Shiraz are sourced from 2 subregions within the Great Southern area of western Australia. 85% of the fruit comes from 25+ year-old vertical shoot positioned, cordon spur pruned vines that grow on soils composed of sand, gravel and ironstone. The remaining 15% comes from 20-year-old vines that are planted on deep gravel soils, also vertical shoot positioned and cordon spur pruned to enable easy foliage removal and
reduce the risk of disease.
VINIFICATION
The fruit was machine harvested in the cool of night and cold soaked for seven days prior to fermentation to ensure gentle extraction and layered tannin development. The must was allowed to warm naturally and undergo fermentation at approximately 25°C. It was then pressed at dryness and aged in a mixture of older barriques and stainless steel with careful oak integration. This Shiraz has a fruit forward style with elegant, well-structured tannins that typifies the cool Great Southern region.
TASTING NOTES
This wine boasts intense spiced plum aromas with a dusting of black pepper and some liquorice complexity. The palate is full flavoured with the sweet plum characters sitting on the mid-palate supported by elegant, plush tannins.

To find out more about the winery go to http://www.plantagenetwines.com/

To see our full range of Plantagenet wines go to https://www.auswinesonline.co.uk/product-category/plantagenet/

The Plantagenet’s were the first truly armigerous royal dynasty of England meaning they were entitled to strike and bear various coats of arms. The arms of this noble, later royal, family, Gules, three lions passant guardant, termed colloquially “the arms of England” were first adopted by King Richard the Lionheart (1189–1199), son of King Henry II of England (1154–1189), son of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou (1113/17–1151).
These Three Lions signified royalty, history, power and a code of conduct that was instantly recognized wherever they were displayed.
So too with this range of wines. They are from the oldest established winery in Great Southern – they are wines with power and provenance. The Three Lion coat of arms of Plantagenet Wines is a recognized symbol of quality and value.

Three Lions Great Southern Shiraz is a great Western Australian wine