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WINE TASTING
OUR FEATURED TOP 6 MARGARET RIVER PRODUCERS

Margaret river wine tasting

Turquoise coloured surf breaks onto white sand that rises over dunes into jagged red rocky outcrops. Further inland green pasture resplendent with that most quintessential of Australian plants, the Black Boy, interspersed with highly ordered vineyard rows. This is the breathtaking landscape that greeted us on our first visit to the unique wine country that is Margaret River.

 

 

ABOUT THE Margaret River WINE REGION

Veronica dreamed of peace and quiet and beautiful beaches for our honeymoon and I thought myself quite clever to include a wine region within that brief. Margaret River takes some effort to get to but you certainly feel removed from the rat race once you arrive. This most peaceful of places is a further 300 kilometres south of the most remote city on earth but gee it’s worth the journey.

Just make sure you take a good map because the last thing you want to do is ask for directions. A typical response might be, take a left at Yallingup, head straight through at Cowaramup, then a right at Boranup and on to Kudarup. If you pass through Yoongarillup you’ve gone the wrong way. Don’t fret though, all these tongue tying place names don’t phase the laid back and friendly locals, just relax…up.

Whales breach not far off shore as they venture out of the shelter of Geographe Bay and round the headland to frolic along the 100 kilometres of coastline south, the home of so much high quality viticulture. As it does in Bordeaux, the cool ocean breezes moderate the temperature and ensure steady ripening of those most revered grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Actually there are not many varieties that don’t do well in Margaret River. Chardonnay is another shining light and the most consistent Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends also come from here. More recently there are plenty of producers making a statement with very elegant Shiraz, are there are a few Tempranillos too.

And so it was for two glorious weeks we frolicked amongst the vines mimicking the journey of those whales heading further and further south. The high quality cellar door restaurant is another defining feature of Margaret River. Voyager Estate, Cullen, Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, Brookland Valley and Xanadu all have quality restaurants. I don’t think any other Australian wine region boasts so many fine dining experiences.

On May 4th 2010 we have the enviable task of hosting our Margaret River TOP 6 tasting at the Argyle in the Rocks. The tricky bit was culling the list of our favourites down to just 6. The final list comprises some recognisable names that would top the wine lists of many fine restaurants the world over such as Moss Wood. We have some surprises in store too, some emerging wine labels that will make the tasting less predictable and offer some great value too. Don’t miss it.