Lenton Brae Wilyabrup Chardonnay 2013

The isolated state of Western Australia is known for its spectacular scenery, golden-sand beaches and giant Karri tree forests. A relatively cool (in Australian terms) Mediterranean climate of warm, breezy summer days and cool nights dominates the wine-producing areas. The resulting wines tend to combine fruit ripeness with freshness – an unusual combination in Australia – which makes the wines particularly appealing.

The Margaret River area was the first to suggest Western Australia’s potential for making premium wines. Elegant, ageworthy cabernet sauvignon originally put the spotlight on Margaret River and is still its trump card. Chardonnay shines here, too, as do the vibrantly fruity, zesty semillon/sauvignon blanc blends.

Further south and west you find the Great Southern sub-region, 400 kilometres from Perth. The vineyards of the Great Southern region provide 37% of all the grapes produced in Western Australia. The five sub-regions – Albany, Denmark, Frankland River,...

A fiercely hot year throughout Australia, with bush-fires causing difficulties of smoke taint in some parts. South Australia, the engine room of production on the continent in terms of quantity, recorded its hottest ever summer. The baking conditions led to a relatively early and condensed vintage in most regions. Areas with a moderating influence such as altitude or the proximity of the sea fared better, with Mornington Peninsula in Victoria and the island state of Tasmania having particularly fine vintages. Old vines in any region were able to overcome the drought stresses with their deep root systems so areas like Barossa made some excellent reds despite their propensity for hot conditions. A fiercely hot year throughout Australia, with bush-fires causing difficulties of smoke taint in some parts. South Australia, the engine room of production on the continent in terms of quantity, recorded its hottest ever summer. The baking conditions led to a relatively early and condensed...