Work saw me in W.A. this week with a Sunday off - so I decided to spend half of it driving and the other half in the Margaret River....
A short summary of the CD’s I called into.
I visited Amelia Park first, very modern, tried (spittoon for most unfortunately) the entry level Chardonnay (nice), trellis blend (too sweet) Reserve Shiraz (very nice) Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (need to pick some up) overall a good experience, good view, no charge, would visit again. A 7 out of 10 experience for me.
Next was Woodland Estate, served by a family member, very, very generous, everything was nice, but Chloe Chardonnay not my taste. Margaret was my favourite along with Clementine - but got to try 5 vintages of their flagship Cab Sauv that were stunning and a Nebbiolo. No charge, a 10 out of 10 experience. Lots of large format, half bottles and museum releases available- but they are all on the “premium” end of the price range.
Cullen next. Really surprised at how generous they were, many museum releases had a tasting fee, I asked to taste (accepting the fee) DM and KJ but they kept giving me all the rest that had a fee telling me there wouldn’t be a charge. I arrived the right day as there was 20% off and free freight to celebrate Dianna’s birthday - I get some DM annually so this worked out well. I wanted to have lunch there but unfortunately it was booked out for a private function - I wasn’t charged for any tasting as I purchased some wine and they gave me a takeaway coffee to boot. I couldn’t spit the DM, KJ or Vanya out..... I also bought some of their Semillon. Another 10 out of 10 experience for me.
Next was Howard Park. I have some Abercrombie laying down so wanted to try some. Mindful that I had swallowed 3 of the Cullen wines I just tried the current release Abercrombie @ $5 for 25ml. CD was big and modern, didn’t really enjoy the experience (wine was ok) but probably not a fair assessment. They has a huge selection across 3+ labels. A 5 out of 10 for me.
I was a bit peckish by now having not eaten at Cullen, next stop was Leeuwin Estate. Lunch was top notch (but also top priced and small servings) After a feed I did a small tasting and paid to taste the Art Series Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon- I need to start collecting the Cab Sauv.... they had some museum releases but all at a rediculas price IMO. Was ok but too fancy and expensive for me, would have been better with the company of my wife I think. By myself it was a 7 out of 10 - without the Art Cab Sauv it would have been 5
@GPH was the driver for the next stop, I have wanted to try Stella Bella Suckfizzle Cab Sauv for a few years. Very friendly CD, I was extremely mindful that I was driving so only tasted the CS Suckfizzle and CS Luminosa. Not too keen on the first, but loved the Luminosa. Small personal CD, friendly staff, the 2 I tried had a tasting fee but they wouldn’t accept payment even though I didn’t purchase anything. I wish I wasn’t driving and had more time. 8 out of 10
Next was going to be Cape Mentelle buy my IPhone sent me down a 4X4 track to the back of their property with 8’ security fencing- so missed out on visiting.
Heading North I decided to visit Capel Vale, The signs were out saying it was open with opening hours of 10 to 4.30, I was there at 3.40 and it was all locked up with no sign of life
CD experience of 0 out of 10
This was my first visit to Margaret River, I had a great time - but such a shame I had to drive and spit so much good wine out.
The photos are a bit mixed up sorry.
Below is at Cullen
The Nebbiolo was at Woodlands
The rest will be on another post