Deep crimson red of good intensity and vibrant hue. Intense berry fruits, cassis and chocolate mint characters notes with background cedar like oak. Medium bodied, this wine shows a vibrant and lively fruit driven palate with a fleshy middle and soft mature ripe tannin. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from the Hay Shed Hill vineyard were harvested and de-stemmed into open topped vessels for fermentation on skins with traditional pump-over cap management to aid colour and flavour extraction. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for 13 months allowing integration of fine oak and development of the soft ripe tannin The Hay Shed Hill vineyard is situated on a picturesque property that was established as a group settlement farm for returned soldiers from the First World War. Known as Sussex Vale the property was originally a dairy farm. The current homestead, considerably renovated, still has much of the original Group Settlement look and feel. Vines were first planted in the early 1970s. In the late 1980s the vineyard was bought by the Morrison Family and the wine brand Hay Shed Hill was established taking its name from the local reference to the hay shed located on the property. The sister label, Pitchfork, was developed to complement the single vineyard Hay Shed Hill label. A series of ownership changes saw numerous alterations to labels, wine style and distribution until the current group of partners bought back the farm and the brand in late 2006 and returned to the original concept of producing wine with integrity that expresses the quality of the site.

Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 86%; Merlot 14% Purple with crimson edges looks serious in the glass. Tobacco leaf feint cassis purple plums a complex nose which adds weight to the serious theme. Quality MR Cabernet leads the charge here. A wine with high cheek- bones. Just ripe cabernet gives this sinew and poise. Merlot is subservient almost hard to detect. Terrific wine, at almost twice the price.

Houghton Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful example of well established wineries in the Western Australian wine scene with access to some amazing vineyards sites within the Margaret River. On show here are marvelous aromas and flavours of bay leaf, black tea and some spicy mocha notes. Excitingly dense on palate with harmonious oak balance and impressive acidity. A brilliant wine.

This Forester Estate Shiraz has concentrated and lifted aroma of plum, white chocolate, spices, sandalwood like oak with some hints of violets; elegantly structured with a soft and rounded tannins on the palate. A very approachable style to enjoy with friends and family.

A lovely example of Margaret River Cabernet Merlot, Flametree Cabernet Merlot is showing big dense fruit characters of blackcurrant and stewed plums. A silky seamless palate with rich fruit concentration and chocolaty complexity. Matured in French oak barrels has softened and rounded this wine.

A high quality wine from the first whiff of the bouquet through to the long finish...has a tapestry of flavours from the base of Cabernet...all supported by persistent but ripe tannins, the oak absorbed by the fruit. Winning the prestigious Decanter International Trophy, we snaffled as much of this wine as we could. Very limited.

Award winning wines have been the modus operandi for the Tate family since the mid-70s. That pedigree and know-how can be tasted in this bottle of hand crafted Margaret River Cabernet Merlot. Regional notes of bay leaf, eucalypt and dry, tannins are supported by a lush and vibrant blue and black fruit backbone that continues on the palate for what seems like a lifetime. Absolutely delicious.