The Deep Dive is a showcase of winemakers pushing the boundaries of what Malbec can achieve in Australian terroirs. The panel; Brendan Hawker (Yering Station), Katarina Lange (Botanical Hotel), Maxence Gueritot (Brae), Charles Duan (Gaea) and Hayley O’Heare (Joval Family Wines) tasted every available varietal Malbec blind and each judge named their top six selections. Our wine was fortunate enough to be among those chosen.
Gueritot selected our 2023 Malbec in his top six. He observed that our wine “offers a different expression in its fruit character, focused on fresh blueberries and fresh dark plums.” He further noted the oak regime lends the wine roundness, intensity and concentration.
This recognition underlines our dedication to producing wines that are both expressive and nuanced. From vine to barrel, our team works with sensitivity to site, picking at optimal flavour ripeness, managing oak influence judiciously and preserving the freshness and structure that allow the wine to sing. The fact that a leading sommelier like Gueritot singled out our wine in such a competitive field is both inspiring and humbling.
“At Altair Estate, we see Malbec as an opportunity to explore a more subtle, refined side of the variety, rather than chasing overt richness or extraction. Once crushed, Malbec exudes sweet fruit and pretty perfume and that is the showcase of our winemaking; to enhance the femininity and lusciousness of the fruit. To be recognised against more robust versions of the grape is a credit to the work put in to create wines with a more modern, approachable, outlook.” – Winemaker, Josh Vince
As a boutique estate in Margaret River, we believe in quietly carving out our own path: crafting wines that balance the expectations of modern palates with the integrity of site and elevating under-celebrated varietals like Malbec in the process. We are committed to exploring how our Wilyabrup soils, maritime influences and barrel choices can continue to yield expressive, refined wines with longevity and character.
We extend our thanks to the Young Gun of Wine team and the judging panel for their time, expertise and for supporting innovation in Australian winemaking. This selection fuels our ambition to keep pushing boundaries and to share more expressive vintages from the Altair Estate cellar.
For the full Deep Dive article, judge notes and other top Malbecs, please see:
https://younggunofwine.com/australias-best-malbec/