Australia’s Finest Signature Shiraz Mixed 6 Pack Value
Bold and vibrant flavors of Australia’s iconic Shiraz collection. Featuring expertly crafted wines from renowned regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Hunter Valley, this selection showcases the depth and versatility of Australia’s most celebrated red varietal. Expect rich notes of dark berries, hints of spice, and velvety tannins in every sip. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, hearty dishes, or enjoying on its own, this collection is a must-have for Shiraz enthusiasts and anyone seeking the best of Australian winemaking. A remarkable showcase of character, quality, and value.
1 x Brown Hill Chaffers Shiraz 2018 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
89/100 The Wine Companion
92/100 The Wine Companion (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)
93/100 James Halliday (2012 vintage)
93/100 Ray Jordan (2012 vintage)
5 Stars, Brown Hill Estate (2018 vintage)
“Best Value Wine” – Western Australian Wine Guide
‘SMALL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ ~ The West Australian Wine Guide 2010
‘SMALL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ ~ The West Australian Wine Guide 2009
Erin Larkin, The Wine Companion "...the black fruits that lie in wait on the palate are sprinkled liberally with cracked black pepper. Bouncy and short, but uncomplicated fresh short-term drinking, here."
The Winemaker "An exotic bouquet showing lovely red berry fruits intermingled with incense, cedary oak and chocolate. Delicious black cherry flavours dominate the palate which is softly structured with fine tannins. "
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Companion "It smells ripe, sweet and berried, the palate then following on faithfully, with rich plum and blackberry flavours pressing gently into raisin territory. There's a musky/vanillin character from oak and a firm finish; it has the throttle well and truly open but it negotiates the road well." (2016 Vintage)
Ray Jordan "...Excellent... Beautifully scented bouquet of rose petal and cherry plum with a spicy lift. The palate is seamlessly constructed with fine grainy tannins and neatly weighted oak. Medium-bodied fruit with excellent depth and concentration. So well balanced and posed with good medium-term cellaring potential."(2015 Vintage)
The Western Australian Wine Guide 2018 "Brown Hill Estate is small family-run southern Margaret River producer has gone from strength to strength with a range of exceptional quality and value-for-money wines. The vines are all dry grown and on quite harsh gravelly soils, resulting in small yields. All grapes are hand-picked. The reds are put into a high percentage of new American and French oak. Great value and super wines." (2015 Vintage)
Brown Hill Estate is a family run, multi-award winning Margaret River winery focussed on single vineyards. It utilizes traditional methods of handpicking and hand sorting to get the best quality from its grapes, and French coopered barrels in production.
Margaret River is one of the best-known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined Cabernet Sauvignon and intensely citrusy chardonnay varieties, the region now produces Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends and Shiraz.
Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Glenlofty GO Shiraz 2015 ~ Pyrenees Victoria Australia
91/100 The Wine Front
91/100 CellarTracker
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Bronze - Huon Hooke
Bronze - Jeni Port (Halliday) (2017 Vintage)
Bronze - Aaron Brasher (2017 Vintage)
Silver - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2020 (2017 Vintage)
Gold - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2019 (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke "Deep ruby colour without purple tints, ............ with some developed raspberry, chocolate nuances. There's a whiff of oak and a lot of developed characteristics."
Tastings.com " Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of candied bacon, purple fruit, nutmeg, and black pepper with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, charming, medium-length finish with notes of plum pudding, grilled spice cake, and sage tea with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A sturdy Shiraz for grilled meats."
Jeni Port (Halliday) "Upfront and sweet-fruited red that is ready to go right now. Ripe red berries, blue fruits and juniper spice drive the engine. Smooth and succulent on the palate. Meets the price point perfectly." (2017 Vintage)
Aaron Brasher "Ripe, dark cherry, spice and cool, minty aromatics. Flavours are driven by a crunchy, tangy, red cherry spiciness that is lively, fresh and bright. Quite a straightforward wine that needs a little time for the angles to soften" (2017 Vintage)
The Winemaker “Red and black fruits abound, supported by earthy and savoury characters as well as licorice and spice. Complex length of flavour.”
Winestate Magazine "Glenlofty’s vineyards have been carefully nurtured since 1995 in the cool-climate foothills of Victoria’s Pyrenees. Formerly blended into premium wines produced by Penfolds, Seppelts, Rosemount and Brown Bros, Glenlofty’s remarkable fruit has been bottled under its own Glenlofty Wines label only since 2013. Early industry applause has been rapid, as demonstrated by its awards."
The award winning Australian winery Glenlofty has vineyards located 340 metres above sea level in the heart of one of Australia's most famous cool climate wine growing regions, the Victorian Pyrenees. Here the climate, ancient granitic soil types and varying slopes mirror those of France’s northern Rhône region. Until 2010 Glenlofty sent their cool-climate premium fruit for blending into high-end wines under Seppelts and Penfolds labels. In 2010 the 140 ha vineyards were acquired by the pioneering Richmond-Smith family, well-known in Australian agriculture since 1839. The first wines released under the Glenlofty brand appeared in 2013, and were an immediate success, winning gold medals across the world.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Hewitson Mad Hatter Shiraz 2022 - Barossa Valley, South Australia
94/100 Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate
93/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
92/100 The Wine Front
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
95/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
95/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
94/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
94/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
92/100 Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
93/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (2019 vintage)
94/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
James Suckling Top 100 Top Value Wine 2020
James Halliday Top 100 Winery 2017
10 Vineyards Behind The World's Most Famous Wines - Wine Enthusiasts
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2023
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2022
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2021
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2020
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "This 2021 Shiraz The Mad Hatter is wildly aromatic! One would swear it had a little Viognier included in the mix, although nothing listed on the website or back label indicates this. It's an elegant, floral, pretty wine with layers of spice and detail. In the mouth, this is all about licorice, violets, Morello cherries, some kirsch, Tina wafers, mulberry, blueberry, strawberry at the height of summer and orange peel. There is a note of clove, even. All good things happening here. It is fresh, vibrant, lively, modern, dappled and always moving—really good."
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "The Mad Hatter represents a parcel selection from sites across the Barossa. The fruit is ripe and velvety, all blackberry and blueberries with hints of baking spices, vanillin oak, chocolate, ginger snaps, violets and lighter notes of tobacco lead and roasting meats. There's a pithiness to the fine tannins, which gently tug at the roof of the mouth, slowly fading away with ripe, spiced fruits and a pleasing sense of harmony."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep purple-red colour with a mulchy/humus touch to the blackberry fruit and coffee grounds aromas, the wine is full-bodied and raunchy, with rustic tannins and big bold flavour. Cellaring may soften the parts and bring them together better."
Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "This is now based on a selection of the best vineyards and 2021 provided plenty of goodies to play around with. It is such a beautifully smooth and almost effortless wine bursting with red fruits with a sprinkle of pepper and spices working with a trace of liqueur cherry. It gets about 16 months in one and two-year-old French oak and the predominant use of whole bunches has contributed to that delicious palate mix and presentation." (2021 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Opaque core into a deep ruby and purple rim. Blood plum, liquorice and violet aromas leap from the glass. Lovely full weight and density as it glides across the tongue. Dark fruits, anise spice and graphite undertones all meld well to ensure character and interest. Tannins are supple yet amply powerful for the job at hand, driving it long and lingering to the finish. A lovely balance of Barossa intensity with winemaking vitality" (2021 vintage)
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Deep crimson in the glass with classic aromas of satsuma plum and summer berry fruits layered with baking spices, licorice and dark chocolate. Nary a hair out of place on the palate with impressive fruit purity and a harmonious, dark savoury flow to the wines form; powdery tannin in support with a minerally driveline." (2021 vintage)
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Three weeks on skins before 16 months' maturation in seasoned French oak barriques. Consistently an impressive offering, the current Mad Hatter again delivers with its slinky, textural and wonderfully pure fruit profile displaying juicy plummy fruits layered with spice, earth, violets and well-judged French oak nuance. The tannins superfine and powdery, the line bright and vivid, it's just a lovely wine to drink." (2020 vintage)
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Blackberry compote, raspberries and vanilla: the nose is rich and intoxicating. A juicy ripe core gives way to fine tannins, their inkiness counters the sweetly rippled core. A richer Barossan style with freshness and nuance. It will cellar well" (2020 vintage)
Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Deep, dark and brooding in the glass. Dark-fruited aromas, stewed plum, mulberry, licorice, violets and dried herbs. Rich, dark and powerful on the palate, satsuma plum, a little tartness, luscious and mouth-filling. There's also plenty of tannin and acidity to keep the plush fruit behaving. Smart length and texture" (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "This is shiraz that’s delivered ripe and powerful, but with a smooth, soft feel. Rich aromas of plums, raspberries, blackberries and blackcurrants. The palate is very fleshy and harnesses rich red and dark-fruit flavors with a spicy edge through the finish. Drink over the next eight years." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "This has really intense aromas of rich red and dark berries and plums with bergamot and orange rind. Some chocolate and an earthy, gently herbal edge. The palate has very fleshy, full-bodied and supple style with rich blackberries and suave tannins. This is a selection of the best material chosen for superior richness, concentration and depth. 2018 has really dished up a beauty." (2018 vintage)
In early 2021, leading global publication Wine Enthusiast included Hewitson in its top 10 list of “Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines” alongside heralded blocks in Burgundy, Champagne, Piedmont and Napa Valley.
Australian Wine Companion "Established in 1998 Hewitson winery is situated in the heart of the Barossa Valley on the historic Seppeltsfield Road and boasts some of the oldest vines in the world. Hewitson fruit is sourced from historic, dry-grown vineyards in the Barossa Valley and also from single site vineyards in Eden Valley, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills."
Frederick Wildman "Dean Hewitson founded his eponymous winery in 1998. He is a highly respected Australian winemaker ...Hewitson has worked at wineries in Australia, France, Italy and Oregon. Hewitson then moved to the U.S. where he earned a Masters from UC-Davis. On his return home, Dean brought a wealth of knowledge, practical experience and a driving passion to produce wines not only from Barossa Valley but also from the McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills regions.
Hewitson fundamentally believes great wines are the expression of the soils they are grown in and the season in which they are grown. With his longstanding focus on terroir—specific terroir plots in fact—many of Hewitson’s wines are single vineyard. He sources grapes from not only his own vineyards but also from long-standing grower contracts including a few sourced from some of the oldest living, still productive vines on plots that date back to the mid-19th century and are pre-phylloxera. His ‘Old Garden’ Mourvèdre is a single-vineyard wine, whose vines were planted in 1853 in Barossa Valley and are reputed to be the oldest Mourvèdre vines in the world. Hewitson’s ‘Miss Harry’ is sourced from a Grenache vineyard planted in 1880, also thought to be the oldest Grenache in existence.
Due to Hewitson’s education and experience in Australia, California and France, Hewitson wines combine Old-World traditions with New-World fruit purity. And while he clearly excels with Rhône Valley grape varieties, Hewitson also produces award-winning Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. A practitioner in solar energy, water recycling and encouraging natural biodiversity, Hewitson produces wines in an environmentally sustainable fashion."
James Halliday "Dean Hewitson was a winemaker at Petaluma [one of Australia's leading wineries] for 10 years, during which time he managed to do three vintages in France and one in Oregon as well as undertaking his Masters at the University of California, Davis. It is hardly surprising that the wines are immaculately made from a technical viewpoint. Dean sources 30-year-old Riesling from the Eden Valley and 70-year-old shiraz from McLaren Vale; he also makes a Barossa Valley Mourvedre from vines planted in 1853 at Rowland Flat, and Barossa Valley Shiraz and Grenache from 60-year-old vines at Tanunda."
The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. A striking feature of the Barossa Valley's wine landscape is the presence of very old vines, proudly showcased on many wine labels and during vineyard tours.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Patrick of Coonawarra Two Blocks Shiraz 2016 ~ Coonawarra, South Australia
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
91/100 Qwine (2017 vintage)
90/100 James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep bright purple-red colour, young for its age, and the bouquet is chocolaty, toasty and oak-touched, the palate likewise medium to full bodied and showing good depth of flavour for the price, good concentration and length of palate. Ample chewy tannins. It has plenty of years left in it. "
The Winemaker “This shiraz is full bodied with a mix of bold plum flavour and a hint of pepper spice. The aromas of fruitcake and violet lead to a well balanced and complex palate. The chocolate oak finishes the wine with a smooth vanilla lift.”
Patrick of Coonawarra was founded by Patrick Tocaciu; one of Australia's leading wine (and AFL football) figures. Patrick's reputation for producing exceptional wine earned him many international accolades for the major labels he worked as Chief Winemaker, including; Tollana, Penfolds, and Hollick Wines. Patrick's distinguished reputation continued with the establishment of his own Patrick of Coonawarra Estate label. The Estate is now managed by his son, Luke who continues the tradition of producing wines of varietal and regional excellence.
Coonawarra is the most important wine region within the Limestone Coast zone of South Australia, credited with producing some of the best red wines in the entire country, and often described as Australia's most famous terroir. It is located in the far south-east of the state, adjoining the border with Victoria south of Wrattonbully.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced. Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, particularly the Barossa Valley.
1 x Plantagenet Lions Circle Shiraz 2020 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
Bronze - Natalie MacLean (2018 vintage)
92/100 - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Natalie MacLean (2017 vintage)
Natalie MacLean "... is an excellent value Shiraz, supple, full-bodied with layers of dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, pepper and well-integrated toasty oak spice flavours with a silky, long and vibrant finish." (2018 vintage)
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Solid core of dark fruits, plums and white pepper follow through from the nose. Great acidity balances the dense fruit core with soft tannin and an elegant mouthfeel. Savoury herbal notes at complexity with a slightly old world feel to the wine. Classical cool climate shiraz from a cool vintage." (2017 vintage)
Natalie MacLean "A generous, full-bodied, supple Australia Shiraz with aromas of fleshy ripe black plums and spice. Perfect for grilled meats." (2017 vintage)
Western Australian winery, Plantagenet is acclaimed internationally for its consistently highly-awarded, quality wines produced from its five vineyards located in the cool climate region of the Great Southern. It is known for its highly aromatic riesling, tangy citrus-tinged chardonnay, exceptional Rhône-style shiraz and superb cabernet sauvignon. The five estate vineyards are overseen by Chief Viticulturist Jordan Ellis whose philosophy is sustainability and remaining true to the terroir of the region.
The Real Review "Plantagenet is a pioneer of the Great Southern region of Western Australia with vineyards first planted in 1986 and the first commercial winery established in the region. Celebrated for its rich heritage, the winery was until recently owned the Lionel Samson family, the oldest family owned business in Western Australia established in Fremantle in 1829. Plantagenet has five vineyards in the Mount Barker sub region each with the unique characteristics, ancient soils and a cool maritime climate creating expressive wines of provenance, quality & prestige. "
James Halliday, Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Plantagenet has honed its flagship varieties into a distinct Great Southern wine style; a depth of lively flavour, seamless elegance and natural purity"
The Great Southern is emerging as a wine region of international significance and reputation. It is the largest wine growing region in Australia and is the second largest producer of grapes in Western Australia. It is a landscape of forested cliffs and resplendent mountain ranges, grazing pastures and towns steeped in history. The regional climate ranges from the coastal, maritime subregions of Albany and Denmark to the inland, continental subregions of Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River. The predominant soils are similar to those of the Margaret River region - either lateritic gravelly sandy loams (marri country) or sandy loams deriving directly from granite and gneissic bedrocks. Near perfect conditions for grape growing has lured some of the most creative and talented winemakers to call this land their home and become part of its ancient story.
The region is known for commitment to be sustainable, and organic, and is attracting some of Australia’s best winemakers. In 2023 the region dominated the Halliday Wine Companion Awards with its Top Rated 2023 Rieslings winning 10 of the top 40 awards. Other varietals from the region also received exceptional ratings of 97, 96 & 95 points.
Winemakers who work in cooler-climate growing regions, both in the Old World and New World, tend to call their wines Syrah. The most famous examples come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, notably Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In the New World, in regions like Sonoma Coast, California; Yarra Valley, Australia; and parts of Chile, the wines are called Syrah because they emulate the leaner, acid-driven, savory styles of the Old World French classics.
Shiraz tends to come from warmer growing climates, namely the South Australian regions of Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Stylistically, these wines are lush, fruit-forward examples that embody the warmer, sunnier climate. Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Willow Bridge Dragon Fly Shiraz 2022 - Geographe, Western Australia
90/100 James Suckling
91/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
92/100 Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
90/100 Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate
Bronze - Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review
Bronze - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
Bronze - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "This ripe and fruity red has notes of blueberries, plums, honey and violets on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied, soft and tasty. Drink now. Screw cap."
Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "It does the trick without being very fancy, a nice place to be. Redcurrants, raspberry, a good dash of smoky spice, some graphite and pencil-shaving characters, a touch of pepper and eucalyptus going on here – flavours and scents in tune with this. A touch of raspiness to texture, a tart, bitter finish and, between that, some nice plushness that takes away from those distractions. It's OK; it drinks pretty easy."
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "The 2022 Dragonfly Shiraz leads with dark berries and exotic spices, milk chocolate-coated licorice and blueberries. The wine is simple on the palate, but it hits every high point of juicy fruit and the absence of impactful oak, with gentle, supple tannins. The acidity is pronounced, which may sit adjunct to the plush fruit, yet it feels as if it would lend itself well to a slight chill. Shiraz for summer ... if that's a thing."
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Mocha and spiced black plums lead to a juicy palate. Vanillan notes mix with black and red berries, contained by a rail of tannins. It's an approachable and pleasing style"
Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "A neat partner for the Cabernet Merlot in this range. Slightly earthier as you might expect with a lift of raspberry and mulberry fruit flavours. Toasty oak underpins with a fine chalky tannin spine for control. Has a creamy, lively and silky smooth palate with a little confectionary raspberry on the finish." (2021 vintage)
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "The 2021 Dragonfly Shiraz was opened with great anticipation. This might be a cheap wine (in fact, it is, at around $15AUD), but it routinely does well in wine shows and offers exceptional value for money. Unfortunately, this vintage, while still being fresh and lively, has a distinctly dilute finish that becomes evident from the middle palate onward. 14.2% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." (2021 vintage)
Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion "This is a ripping little wine. At first glance it's a juicy, buoyant and uncomplicated shiraz. But it routinely shows itself to be more sophisticated and complex than its price would suggest. Look for salted licorice, blood, salted plums, redskins, raspberry and pomegranate, alongside the expected blackberry and mulberry. Search for the toasty oak and the star anise, the dry toasted spices through the finish (there's cardamom and cinnamon and a sprinkling of ras el hanout). It's a super-handy little wine, and a great example of how easily Geographe can handle shiraz." (2020 vintage)
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "The 2020 Dragonfly Shiraz combines purity of fruit with a more intriguing and engaging blood/licorice/iodine/fennel character that elevates it beyond its price point. This is texturally on point and capable of so much pleasure. The Geographe is a brilliant region for Shiraz." (2020 vintage)
The Australian Wine "(Australai's No. 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour, Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
Bold and vibrant flavors of Australia’s iconic Shiraz collection. Featuring expertly crafted wines from renowned regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Hunter Valley, this selection showcases the depth and versatility of Australia’s most celebrated red varietal. Expect rich notes of dark berries, hints of spice, and velvety tannins in every sip. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, hearty dishes, or enjoying on its own, this collection is a must-have for Shiraz enthusiasts and anyone seeking the best of Australian winemaking. A remarkable showcase of character, quality, and value.
1 x Brown Hill Chaffers Shiraz 2018 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
89/100 The Wine Companion
92/100 The Wine Companion (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)
93/100 James Halliday (2012 vintage)
93/100 Ray Jordan (2012 vintage)
5 Stars, Brown Hill Estate (2018 vintage)
“Best Value Wine” – Western Australian Wine Guide
‘SMALL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ ~ The West Australian Wine Guide 2010
‘SMALL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ ~ The West Australian Wine Guide 2009
Erin Larkin, The Wine Companion "...the black fruits that lie in wait on the palate are sprinkled liberally with cracked black pepper. Bouncy and short, but uncomplicated fresh short-term drinking, here."
The Winemaker "An exotic bouquet showing lovely red berry fruits intermingled with incense, cedary oak and chocolate. Delicious black cherry flavours dominate the palate which is softly structured with fine tannins. "
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Companion "It smells ripe, sweet and berried, the palate then following on faithfully, with rich plum and blackberry flavours pressing gently into raisin territory. There's a musky/vanillin character from oak and a firm finish; it has the throttle well and truly open but it negotiates the road well." (2016 Vintage)
Ray Jordan "...Excellent... Beautifully scented bouquet of rose petal and cherry plum with a spicy lift. The palate is seamlessly constructed with fine grainy tannins and neatly weighted oak. Medium-bodied fruit with excellent depth and concentration. So well balanced and posed with good medium-term cellaring potential."(2015 Vintage)
The Western Australian Wine Guide 2018 "Brown Hill Estate is small family-run southern Margaret River producer has gone from strength to strength with a range of exceptional quality and value-for-money wines. The vines are all dry grown and on quite harsh gravelly soils, resulting in small yields. All grapes are hand-picked. The reds are put into a high percentage of new American and French oak. Great value and super wines." (2015 Vintage)
Brown Hill Estate is a family run, multi-award winning Margaret River winery focussed on single vineyards. It utilizes traditional methods of handpicking and hand sorting to get the best quality from its grapes, and French coopered barrels in production.
Margaret River is one of the best-known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined Cabernet Sauvignon and intensely citrusy chardonnay varieties, the region now produces Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends and Shiraz.
Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Glenlofty GO Shiraz 2015 ~ Pyrenees Victoria Australia
91/100 The Wine Front
91/100 CellarTracker
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Bronze - Huon Hooke
Bronze - Jeni Port (Halliday) (2017 Vintage)
Bronze - Aaron Brasher (2017 Vintage)
Silver - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2020 (2017 Vintage)
Gold - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2019 (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke "Deep ruby colour without purple tints, ............ with some developed raspberry, chocolate nuances. There's a whiff of oak and a lot of developed characteristics."
Tastings.com " Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of candied bacon, purple fruit, nutmeg, and black pepper with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, charming, medium-length finish with notes of plum pudding, grilled spice cake, and sage tea with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A sturdy Shiraz for grilled meats."
Jeni Port (Halliday) "Upfront and sweet-fruited red that is ready to go right now. Ripe red berries, blue fruits and juniper spice drive the engine. Smooth and succulent on the palate. Meets the price point perfectly." (2017 Vintage)
Aaron Brasher "Ripe, dark cherry, spice and cool, minty aromatics. Flavours are driven by a crunchy, tangy, red cherry spiciness that is lively, fresh and bright. Quite a straightforward wine that needs a little time for the angles to soften" (2017 Vintage)
The Winemaker “Red and black fruits abound, supported by earthy and savoury characters as well as licorice and spice. Complex length of flavour.”
Winestate Magazine "Glenlofty’s vineyards have been carefully nurtured since 1995 in the cool-climate foothills of Victoria’s Pyrenees. Formerly blended into premium wines produced by Penfolds, Seppelts, Rosemount and Brown Bros, Glenlofty’s remarkable fruit has been bottled under its own Glenlofty Wines label only since 2013. Early industry applause has been rapid, as demonstrated by its awards."
The award winning Australian winery Glenlofty has vineyards located 340 metres above sea level in the heart of one of Australia's most famous cool climate wine growing regions, the Victorian Pyrenees. Here the climate, ancient granitic soil types and varying slopes mirror those of France’s northern Rhône region. Until 2010 Glenlofty sent their cool-climate premium fruit for blending into high-end wines under Seppelts and Penfolds labels. In 2010 the 140 ha vineyards were acquired by the pioneering Richmond-Smith family, well-known in Australian agriculture since 1839. The first wines released under the Glenlofty brand appeared in 2013, and were an immediate success, winning gold medals across the world.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Hewitson Mad Hatter Shiraz 2022 - Barossa Valley, South Australia
94/100 Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate
93/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
92/100 The Wine Front
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
95/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
95/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
94/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
94/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
92/100 Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
93/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (2019 vintage)
94/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
James Suckling Top 100 Top Value Wine 2020
James Halliday Top 100 Winery 2017
10 Vineyards Behind The World's Most Famous Wines - Wine Enthusiasts
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2023
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2022
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2021
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2020
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "This 2021 Shiraz The Mad Hatter is wildly aromatic! One would swear it had a little Viognier included in the mix, although nothing listed on the website or back label indicates this. It's an elegant, floral, pretty wine with layers of spice and detail. In the mouth, this is all about licorice, violets, Morello cherries, some kirsch, Tina wafers, mulberry, blueberry, strawberry at the height of summer and orange peel. There is a note of clove, even. All good things happening here. It is fresh, vibrant, lively, modern, dappled and always moving—really good."
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "The Mad Hatter represents a parcel selection from sites across the Barossa. The fruit is ripe and velvety, all blackberry and blueberries with hints of baking spices, vanillin oak, chocolate, ginger snaps, violets and lighter notes of tobacco lead and roasting meats. There's a pithiness to the fine tannins, which gently tug at the roof of the mouth, slowly fading away with ripe, spiced fruits and a pleasing sense of harmony."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep purple-red colour with a mulchy/humus touch to the blackberry fruit and coffee grounds aromas, the wine is full-bodied and raunchy, with rustic tannins and big bold flavour. Cellaring may soften the parts and bring them together better."
Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "This is now based on a selection of the best vineyards and 2021 provided plenty of goodies to play around with. It is such a beautifully smooth and almost effortless wine bursting with red fruits with a sprinkle of pepper and spices working with a trace of liqueur cherry. It gets about 16 months in one and two-year-old French oak and the predominant use of whole bunches has contributed to that delicious palate mix and presentation." (2021 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Opaque core into a deep ruby and purple rim. Blood plum, liquorice and violet aromas leap from the glass. Lovely full weight and density as it glides across the tongue. Dark fruits, anise spice and graphite undertones all meld well to ensure character and interest. Tannins are supple yet amply powerful for the job at hand, driving it long and lingering to the finish. A lovely balance of Barossa intensity with winemaking vitality" (2021 vintage)
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Deep crimson in the glass with classic aromas of satsuma plum and summer berry fruits layered with baking spices, licorice and dark chocolate. Nary a hair out of place on the palate with impressive fruit purity and a harmonious, dark savoury flow to the wines form; powdery tannin in support with a minerally driveline." (2021 vintage)
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Three weeks on skins before 16 months' maturation in seasoned French oak barriques. Consistently an impressive offering, the current Mad Hatter again delivers with its slinky, textural and wonderfully pure fruit profile displaying juicy plummy fruits layered with spice, earth, violets and well-judged French oak nuance. The tannins superfine and powdery, the line bright and vivid, it's just a lovely wine to drink." (2020 vintage)
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Blackberry compote, raspberries and vanilla: the nose is rich and intoxicating. A juicy ripe core gives way to fine tannins, their inkiness counters the sweetly rippled core. A richer Barossan style with freshness and nuance. It will cellar well" (2020 vintage)
Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Deep, dark and brooding in the glass. Dark-fruited aromas, stewed plum, mulberry, licorice, violets and dried herbs. Rich, dark and powerful on the palate, satsuma plum, a little tartness, luscious and mouth-filling. There's also plenty of tannin and acidity to keep the plush fruit behaving. Smart length and texture" (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "This is shiraz that’s delivered ripe and powerful, but with a smooth, soft feel. Rich aromas of plums, raspberries, blackberries and blackcurrants. The palate is very fleshy and harnesses rich red and dark-fruit flavors with a spicy edge through the finish. Drink over the next eight years." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "This has really intense aromas of rich red and dark berries and plums with bergamot and orange rind. Some chocolate and an earthy, gently herbal edge. The palate has very fleshy, full-bodied and supple style with rich blackberries and suave tannins. This is a selection of the best material chosen for superior richness, concentration and depth. 2018 has really dished up a beauty." (2018 vintage)
In early 2021, leading global publication Wine Enthusiast included Hewitson in its top 10 list of “Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines” alongside heralded blocks in Burgundy, Champagne, Piedmont and Napa Valley.
Australian Wine Companion "Established in 1998 Hewitson winery is situated in the heart of the Barossa Valley on the historic Seppeltsfield Road and boasts some of the oldest vines in the world. Hewitson fruit is sourced from historic, dry-grown vineyards in the Barossa Valley and also from single site vineyards in Eden Valley, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills."
Frederick Wildman "Dean Hewitson founded his eponymous winery in 1998. He is a highly respected Australian winemaker ...Hewitson has worked at wineries in Australia, France, Italy and Oregon. Hewitson then moved to the U.S. where he earned a Masters from UC-Davis. On his return home, Dean brought a wealth of knowledge, practical experience and a driving passion to produce wines not only from Barossa Valley but also from the McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills regions.
Hewitson fundamentally believes great wines are the expression of the soils they are grown in and the season in which they are grown. With his longstanding focus on terroir—specific terroir plots in fact—many of Hewitson’s wines are single vineyard. He sources grapes from not only his own vineyards but also from long-standing grower contracts including a few sourced from some of the oldest living, still productive vines on plots that date back to the mid-19th century and are pre-phylloxera. His ‘Old Garden’ Mourvèdre is a single-vineyard wine, whose vines were planted in 1853 in Barossa Valley and are reputed to be the oldest Mourvèdre vines in the world. Hewitson’s ‘Miss Harry’ is sourced from a Grenache vineyard planted in 1880, also thought to be the oldest Grenache in existence.
Due to Hewitson’s education and experience in Australia, California and France, Hewitson wines combine Old-World traditions with New-World fruit purity. And while he clearly excels with Rhône Valley grape varieties, Hewitson also produces award-winning Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. A practitioner in solar energy, water recycling and encouraging natural biodiversity, Hewitson produces wines in an environmentally sustainable fashion."
James Halliday "Dean Hewitson was a winemaker at Petaluma [one of Australia's leading wineries] for 10 years, during which time he managed to do three vintages in France and one in Oregon as well as undertaking his Masters at the University of California, Davis. It is hardly surprising that the wines are immaculately made from a technical viewpoint. Dean sources 30-year-old Riesling from the Eden Valley and 70-year-old shiraz from McLaren Vale; he also makes a Barossa Valley Mourvedre from vines planted in 1853 at Rowland Flat, and Barossa Valley Shiraz and Grenache from 60-year-old vines at Tanunda."
The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. A striking feature of the Barossa Valley's wine landscape is the presence of very old vines, proudly showcased on many wine labels and during vineyard tours.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Patrick of Coonawarra Two Blocks Shiraz 2016 ~ Coonawarra, South Australia
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
91/100 Qwine (2017 vintage)
90/100 James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep bright purple-red colour, young for its age, and the bouquet is chocolaty, toasty and oak-touched, the palate likewise medium to full bodied and showing good depth of flavour for the price, good concentration and length of palate. Ample chewy tannins. It has plenty of years left in it. "
The Winemaker “This shiraz is full bodied with a mix of bold plum flavour and a hint of pepper spice. The aromas of fruitcake and violet lead to a well balanced and complex palate. The chocolate oak finishes the wine with a smooth vanilla lift.”
Patrick of Coonawarra was founded by Patrick Tocaciu; one of Australia's leading wine (and AFL football) figures. Patrick's reputation for producing exceptional wine earned him many international accolades for the major labels he worked as Chief Winemaker, including; Tollana, Penfolds, and Hollick Wines. Patrick's distinguished reputation continued with the establishment of his own Patrick of Coonawarra Estate label. The Estate is now managed by his son, Luke who continues the tradition of producing wines of varietal and regional excellence.
Coonawarra is the most important wine region within the Limestone Coast zone of South Australia, credited with producing some of the best red wines in the entire country, and often described as Australia's most famous terroir. It is located in the far south-east of the state, adjoining the border with Victoria south of Wrattonbully.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced. Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, particularly the Barossa Valley.
1 x Plantagenet Lions Circle Shiraz 2020 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
Bronze - Natalie MacLean (2018 vintage)
92/100 - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Natalie MacLean (2017 vintage)
Natalie MacLean "... is an excellent value Shiraz, supple, full-bodied with layers of dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, pepper and well-integrated toasty oak spice flavours with a silky, long and vibrant finish." (2018 vintage)
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Solid core of dark fruits, plums and white pepper follow through from the nose. Great acidity balances the dense fruit core with soft tannin and an elegant mouthfeel. Savoury herbal notes at complexity with a slightly old world feel to the wine. Classical cool climate shiraz from a cool vintage." (2017 vintage)
Natalie MacLean "A generous, full-bodied, supple Australia Shiraz with aromas of fleshy ripe black plums and spice. Perfect for grilled meats." (2017 vintage)
Western Australian winery, Plantagenet is acclaimed internationally for its consistently highly-awarded, quality wines produced from its five vineyards located in the cool climate region of the Great Southern. It is known for its highly aromatic riesling, tangy citrus-tinged chardonnay, exceptional Rhône-style shiraz and superb cabernet sauvignon. The five estate vineyards are overseen by Chief Viticulturist Jordan Ellis whose philosophy is sustainability and remaining true to the terroir of the region.
The Real Review "Plantagenet is a pioneer of the Great Southern region of Western Australia with vineyards first planted in 1986 and the first commercial winery established in the region. Celebrated for its rich heritage, the winery was until recently owned the Lionel Samson family, the oldest family owned business in Western Australia established in Fremantle in 1829. Plantagenet has five vineyards in the Mount Barker sub region each with the unique characteristics, ancient soils and a cool maritime climate creating expressive wines of provenance, quality & prestige. "
James Halliday, Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Plantagenet has honed its flagship varieties into a distinct Great Southern wine style; a depth of lively flavour, seamless elegance and natural purity"
The Great Southern is emerging as a wine region of international significance and reputation. It is the largest wine growing region in Australia and is the second largest producer of grapes in Western Australia. It is a landscape of forested cliffs and resplendent mountain ranges, grazing pastures and towns steeped in history. The regional climate ranges from the coastal, maritime subregions of Albany and Denmark to the inland, continental subregions of Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River. The predominant soils are similar to those of the Margaret River region - either lateritic gravelly sandy loams (marri country) or sandy loams deriving directly from granite and gneissic bedrocks. Near perfect conditions for grape growing has lured some of the most creative and talented winemakers to call this land their home and become part of its ancient story.
The region is known for commitment to be sustainable, and organic, and is attracting some of Australia’s best winemakers. In 2023 the region dominated the Halliday Wine Companion Awards with its Top Rated 2023 Rieslings winning 10 of the top 40 awards. Other varietals from the region also received exceptional ratings of 97, 96 & 95 points.
Winemakers who work in cooler-climate growing regions, both in the Old World and New World, tend to call their wines Syrah. The most famous examples come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, notably Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In the New World, in regions like Sonoma Coast, California; Yarra Valley, Australia; and parts of Chile, the wines are called Syrah because they emulate the leaner, acid-driven, savory styles of the Old World French classics.
Shiraz tends to come from warmer growing climates, namely the South Australian regions of Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Stylistically, these wines are lush, fruit-forward examples that embody the warmer, sunnier climate. Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
1 x Willow Bridge Dragon Fly Shiraz 2022 - Geographe, Western Australia
90/100 James Suckling
91/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
92/100 Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
90/100 Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate
Bronze - Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review
Bronze - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
Bronze - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "This ripe and fruity red has notes of blueberries, plums, honey and violets on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied, soft and tasty. Drink now. Screw cap."
Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "It does the trick without being very fancy, a nice place to be. Redcurrants, raspberry, a good dash of smoky spice, some graphite and pencil-shaving characters, a touch of pepper and eucalyptus going on here – flavours and scents in tune with this. A touch of raspiness to texture, a tart, bitter finish and, between that, some nice plushness that takes away from those distractions. It's OK; it drinks pretty easy."
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "The 2022 Dragonfly Shiraz leads with dark berries and exotic spices, milk chocolate-coated licorice and blueberries. The wine is simple on the palate, but it hits every high point of juicy fruit and the absence of impactful oak, with gentle, supple tannins. The acidity is pronounced, which may sit adjunct to the plush fruit, yet it feels as if it would lend itself well to a slight chill. Shiraz for summer ... if that's a thing."
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Mocha and spiced black plums lead to a juicy palate. Vanillan notes mix with black and red berries, contained by a rail of tannins. It's an approachable and pleasing style"
Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "A neat partner for the Cabernet Merlot in this range. Slightly earthier as you might expect with a lift of raspberry and mulberry fruit flavours. Toasty oak underpins with a fine chalky tannin spine for control. Has a creamy, lively and silky smooth palate with a little confectionary raspberry on the finish." (2021 vintage)
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "The 2021 Dragonfly Shiraz was opened with great anticipation. This might be a cheap wine (in fact, it is, at around $15AUD), but it routinely does well in wine shows and offers exceptional value for money. Unfortunately, this vintage, while still being fresh and lively, has a distinctly dilute finish that becomes evident from the middle palate onward. 14.2% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." (2021 vintage)
Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion "This is a ripping little wine. At first glance it's a juicy, buoyant and uncomplicated shiraz. But it routinely shows itself to be more sophisticated and complex than its price would suggest. Look for salted licorice, blood, salted plums, redskins, raspberry and pomegranate, alongside the expected blackberry and mulberry. Search for the toasty oak and the star anise, the dry toasted spices through the finish (there's cardamom and cinnamon and a sprinkling of ras el hanout). It's a super-handy little wine, and a great example of how easily Geographe can handle shiraz." (2020 vintage)
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "The 2020 Dragonfly Shiraz combines purity of fruit with a more intriguing and engaging blood/licorice/iodine/fennel character that elevates it beyond its price point. This is texturally on point and capable of so much pleasure. The Geographe is a brilliant region for Shiraz." (2020 vintage)
The Australian Wine "(Australai's No. 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour, Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.