2013 Malbec

The 2013 vintage in Margaret River is again looking exceptional for quality as the hot, dry January compensated for some wild weather in late Spring.

A tropical storm hit Perth and the south west on 30th November, with notable damage including the Terrace Hotel in Perth losing its roof! Vineyards across Margaret River were affected by hail damage but once again the Victory Point site was undamaged and our production levels were maintained.

Heavy rainfall in December caused flooding in nearby Collie but was beneficial by the time it reached us. By March, milder temperatures and rain events slowed the ripening of the red varieties.

Seed and tannin ripeness progressed slowly and the fruit and vines maintained good condition. The Malbec fruit was picked by hand on 13th March 2013.

Winemaking Notes

On delivery to the winery the whole bunches are fully destemmed but not crushed and transferred to our own open fermenters. The fruit spent 10 days on skins before being pressed and racked to barrel. French oak barrels were used, 20% of which were new. The wine was aged in barrel for 15 months. The wine was bottled in December 2014 and sealed with screwcap closures.

Tasting Notes

The colour is dark red with a hint of purple still present. Black cherry, ripe blackcurrant, plum and liquorice allsorts and spicy vanillin oak are lifted on the nose. The palate is generously full flavoured, silky smooth and rich yet with restraint while the length and structure are provided by the slightly chalky tannins.

At least eight years cellaring potential.