fairbrossen

Margaret River

Chardonnay

This takes the standard Fairbrossen chardonnay up a notch. In fact, it takes it up a couple of notches. This is a first-class wine that comes off the Fairbrossen Witchcliffe dry-grown vineyard. To me, it's something of a breakthrough wine for this small producer and shows the immense promise it has. Whole bunches and wild ferments with about 40% new...

Margaret River

Chardonnay

Excellent chardonnay. They're using the Gingin clone. Whole-bunch pressing has given it certainly some palate presence, and then wild fermentation in larger-format French oak. Twelve months on lees have built texture and richness, but at the same time, it retains a fine linear minerality, giving it poise and precision. It's a chardonnay of richness and flavour, and imminently appealing.

Margaret River

Cabernet Sauvignon

From the very early, ripe 2020 vintage is this exceptional cabernet that's emerged from Willy Abrah. The aroma's classically Margaret River, with blackcurrant, dark chocolate and black olive tapenade, all swirling through an immensely complex aromatic mix. Has a smooth, supple, although well-structured palate, supported with fine, firmish tannins and some really well-laid oak. Has that slightly dried, savoury, oyster-shell-like...

Margaret River

Fiano

Bit of a fan of this famous Sicilian variety out of Margaret River. Fruit is always quite generous, certainly in good years like '26, creating a lovely textural feel on the palate. This one has a dry savouriness, which introduces a subtle degree of complexity: slightly nutty, a bit of citrus, even lemon meringue. Lovely, balanced and completely engaging example...

Margaret River

Rose

A dry, savoury, but still quite textured wine made from tempranillo and cabernet. Had a brief period in larger oak. Colour is a pale pink. The nose is a burst of red berry and redcurrant. The palate is crisp, light-bodied, but with good intensity and flavour. An excellent all-purpose rosé. Ideal for summer drinking.

Margaret River

Tempranillo

I reckon Matt Bowness has really nailed this variety, which, of course, is native to northern Spain. In this case, it was naturally fermented with some whole bunches and a mix of stainless steel and French oak. The aim has been to create a joven style, youthful, fresh burst of red fruit. It's been achieved in spades. Nice black fruits,...