James Suckling - Margaret River Review

Nick Stock recently tasted almost 500 latest releases from across Western Australia as part of James Suckling's review of Margaret River. We are very pleased to share Nick's reviews of our wines including 94 points for our 2017 Hazel's Vineyard Chardonnay, 2017 Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay and 2017 Hazel's Vineyard Syrah.

"There are many reasons to be excited about Western Australian chardonnay and the highly competitive space is awash with examples that stack up very favorably on a national and international scale. Margaret River leads in impressive style and this recent tasting reveals an uplift in quality across a greater number of producers in the region" - Nick Stock

2017 Hazel's Vineyard Chardonnay - 94/100 points
Striking purity of pithy lemon and lime aromas here with some gentle, grilled-hazelnut complexity at the edges. The palate has a super tight, sleek and mouthwatering style with fresh lemons and grapefruit, as well as white peaches in abundance. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

2017 Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay - 94/100 points
Attractive lemon and gunflint aromas with some restrained creaminess in the background. The palate has a beautifully smooth-honed feel with supple, citrusy fruit fitting in neatly. The acidity is a highlight, pitched just right. Drink now. Screw cap.

2017 Hazel's Vineyard Syrah - 94/100 points
This has superb strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, in an exuberant and very fragrant mode with immense freshness. The palate has a smooth weave of tannin that carries the same brand of lively berries in a very approachable, seamless style. Clever wine. Drink over the next six years. Screw cap.

2017 Calgardup Vineyard Chardonnay - 93/100 points
Quite savory and elegant chardonnay with aromas of fresh pastry and dry stones, as well as white melon and light peach. The palate has sleek, elegantly cut style with melon and peach here, too, Very crisp, long and elegant. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

2018 McHenry Hohnen Laterite Hills Chardonnay - 93/100 points
Impressive aromas of lemons and peaches here with light hazelnut notes, too. Very complex. The palate is packed with gently creamy peach and nectarine flavors. Smooth, mouth-filling finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

2016 Rolling Stone - 93/100 points
This blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot and petit verdot has rich, earthy style with ripe dark berries and plums on offer, as well as dark spices, graphite and forest wood. The medium-bodied palate has an appealing, elegant feel and red-plum and berry flavors to close. Drink now. Screw cap.

2019 McHenry Hohnen Sauvignon Blanc - 93/100 points
Attractive notes of dried wild grass and chamomile with lemon peel and a waxy edge, as well as flinty notes. The palate has a very pure, lemon and dried-peach core with attractive. smooth, nutty build around the central fresh fruit. Nicely crafted. Drink now. Screw cap.

2015 Hazel's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 92/100 points
This has attractively ripe red fruit with savory, earthy and ferruginous complexity adding attractive interest. The palate has a smooth delivery of ripe blue fruit with plenty of dense, ripe tannin building into the finish. Long, blue-plum and blueberry flavors to close. Drink now. Screw cap.

2019 Apiary Block Chardonnay - 91/100 points
A cloudy iteration with ripe, pithy lemon, peach and pineapple aromas and flavors with a gently nutty edge and a sturdy, bold texture. Drink now. Screw cap.

2018 McHenry Hohnen Grenach Syrah Mataro - 91/100 points
There’s a really fragrant kick here with notes of fresh, strawberry and raspberry purée and attractive, spicy lift. Medium body and a smooth, juicy palate that flows in soft, easygoing mode. Drink now. Screw cap.

2018 McHenry Hohnen BDX - 91/100 points
Deep, earthy, rich ripe fruit on offer here with a strapping delivery of rich, dense tannin that carries plenty of blue and purple-fruit flavor. A blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

2015 Rolling Stone - 91/100 points
Some very rich, ripe aromas here with currants, plum paste and dried dark berries, as well as mint and other dark-leaf roasting herbs. The palate is very ripe, bold and rich with a powerful, weighty finish. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot and petit verdot. Drink now. Screw cap.

Nick Stock shortly before starting on the 500 bottles.