A good part of the vintage growing season happens in the prior year.

For vintage 2022, it provided a fantastic vintage. Margaret River’s moderate Mediterranean climate and cool maritime influence gives strong seasonal consistency between vintages and the ability to achieve perfectly ripe fruit. A wet winter (June to August) and dry months during the summer with little rain kept grapes safe from and provided a natural barrier to disease and heavy yields.

The growing season in spring (September to November) was typically wet and windy. The cool temperatures and harsh Antarctic winds created vulnerability in vine development which caused delaying shoot growth and flowering dates. Rainfall in October was significant while sunny conditions in early-mid November produced a surge in vine growth and a rapid period of vine flowering. First grape variety to burst was Pinot Grigio followed by Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino and Sangiovese.

Conditions in summer were warm, dry and sunny throughout January and February, with the welcome arrival of the sea breeze a daily constant. The yield for both white and red varietals across the region was lower than expected, influenced by warm and very dry conditions, thus lower bunch weights and small berries.

There was a substantial showing of the yellow marri blossom around the vineyard, so local birds showed little interest in the ripening grapes. The interventions of Mother Nature both help and hinder the year-long vineyard cycle, but overall, the challenges in the vineyard were minimal.

First commenced grape varietal was Pinot Grigio followed by Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Malbec, Merlot, Nebbiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest for the Malbec commenced on the 11th of March.

This Malbec is vibrant and expresses its intensity while it's still in its youth. On the nose, it’s perfumed with floral notes of roses and violets, accompanied by generous aromas of mulberry jam and Turkish delight, layered with subtle black peppercorns and dried tea leaves. On the palate it’s rich and lush with juicy Satsuma plum, anise spice, and ripe raspberry, supported by firm tannins and offering a long finish.

On the nose, it’s perfumed with floral notes of roses and violets, accompanied by generous aromas of mulberry jam and Turkish delight, layered with subtle black peppercorns and dried tea leaves.

On the palate it’s rich and lush with juicy Satsuma plum, anise spice, and ripe raspberry, supported by firm tannins and offering a long finish.