Western Australia (Margaret River) – Let’s Find out More

Margaret River is only one of the nine regions in Western Australia but is the most popular and most famous of the regions. Margaret River is also somewhat unique in that it is a peninsula bordered on three sides by the ocean. The area has a temperate maritime climate because of the ocean’s proximity.

Western Australia accounts for only 5% of Australia’s wine production, but accounts for 30% of its award-winning wine. Western Australia is the second-oldest wine region in Australia. However, most of the wine was coming from Swan Valley which is located just north of Perth, and is one of the warmest wine regions in the world (warmest region in Australia). Swan Valley was responsible for 90% of Western Australia’s wine in 1970, 59% by 1980, and 15%. The percentage of wine production from Swan Valley is still declining.

Margaret River is known mostly for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc. Other wines from Western Australia include Shiraz and Riesling from the Great Southern and Frankland River GI’s.

Tonight, we are enjoying two white wines including:

1. 2021 Howard Park Margaret River Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Wine Styles for $23.75, but I saw it online for upper teens. It received a 92 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. It has aromas of dark cherries, dried mint and tobacco; with textured tannins and nice acidity. At the tasting the flavor got slightly lost in its power but should improve in next couple of years. Decanter gave the wine a 91 and says. Smells of cassis and dried herbs, supple tannins and ripe fruit. Aged 18 months in oak. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinking window 2023-2026. Fermented in stainless steel tanks then stored in Barriques and Barrels 20% new and 80% used French for 18 months. 5.7 g/L acidity - 3.54 pH  -  0.5 g/L RS -  14.5% alcohol.
2. 2019 Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Costco for $12.49, but I saw that it typically sells closer to $16.00. James Suckling gave this wine a 90 rating, and says aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, dark cherries, olives, licorice and dried thyme. Medium body with fine tannins. Juicy and savory. Wine Folley - Nose of black cherries and blackberries with notes of clove and brown sugar. Tastes of dark fruit, velvety tannins, vanilla on the long finish.  The wine was aged in oak for 18 months in 25% new american oak. Fermented and aged by lots. Lots are blended after aging. This drinks through 2025 so should look for newer vintages.   5.8 g/L TA -  3.74 pH  -  1.5 g/L RS - 13.9% alcohol.

These wines were similar, but with subtle differences that expressed the two regions. The Napa wine being more fruit forward and having a great deal of vanilla from the American Oak. The Margaret River was brighter, a little toward the red fruit, with more earthiness. Denise loved both wines and gave them both a 4. I also liked both wines, but felt the Joel Gott 815 was a little too much fruit and vanilla. I found the Margaret River wine to be a little more balanced. I gave the Napa a 3 and the Margaret River a 4. It really depends on the type of wine you prefer. Enjoy!

Next week we will have a hybrid spotlight, and feature the white wine Vignoles.