Tasting notes - Koolama Estate (WA)
Koolama Estate, near Manjimup in Western Australia
Koolama Estate is set amongst undulating fields nestled against a giant Karri forest in the picturesque wine region of Pemberton in Western Australia.
Initially planted in 1995 and providing premium grapes for the Petaluma Wine Group, Koolama Estate went its own way in the wine world in 2005 and hasn't looked back, winning many awards and accolades along the way. WA wine expert Ray Jordan believes 'Koolama is a name that will start to make more of an impact as it is marketed.'
All wines are produced from grapes grown in just a few selected rows from within the expertly and skillfully tendered Koolama Estate vineyard located on one of Pemberton's most elevated vineyard sites.The 8 tonnes of grapes were fermented in an open vat prior to extended maturation in quality French oak barrels. The superb environmental conditions experienced in 2007 allow this wine to be presented to the market in a form that gives further support to the suitability of this noble variety to the emerging Pemberton Wine Region.
Koolama Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
It has a deep brick red colour and crimson edges. Blueberry, blackberry and violets dominate the complex aromas. The oak influenced aromas are expressed as vanillin and toasty characters with support from a subtle yet very attractive toffee underlay.
The palate displays a mouth filling flavour impact that exceeds the intensity standards expected in a medium bodied premium wine. The combination of the sweet berry fruit and fine grain tannins structure around a soft acidity ensures that this wine delivers immediate enjoyment. The lovely, silky smooth and long finish is supported by a comforting warmth contributed by the nicely detectable alcohol influences associated with grapes picked at optimum ripeness. An outstanding varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from a region better known for earlier ripening varieties. The wine will continue to soften under ideal storage conditions until 2015.
Koolama Estate 2007 Merlot
The Merlot has the deep crimson colour of satsuma plums. White mulberry, boysenberry, dark cherry and forest floor characters dominate the aroma spectrum of this quality award winning wine. These primary characters are well supported by the vanillin, toasty, caramel and aniseed influences.
The fruit influences exhibited on the nose of this wine are carried through to this sweet, medium bodied silky smooth palate. Ironically, the textural experience originating from the quality fine grain tannins, which may often detract from the smoothness of a palate, are so fine in this wine that they add to the silky outcome. An outstanding Merlot with an outstanding long, clean persistence that lingers on and on. The wine will continue to soften under ideal storage conditions until 2015.
Awards: Best Merlot, RSM Bird Cameron - Timber Towns Regional Wine Show 2009
Koolama Estate 2007 Chardonnay
Tasting notes are taken from Ray Jordan's review of this wine in his Fresh Summer Wine Guide (West Australian 2009):
This is an outstanding example of a modern Australian chardonnay. It's based on some outstanding fruit from this vineyard near Pemberton.
The judges were impressed with the intense and complex characters displayed on the nose and the palate resulting from some sympathetic handling in the wine.
After crushing and pressing, about half went into new French oak barriques for fermentation and the other half was finished in stainless steel. After about nine months the two components were brought together and the result is a poised and balance wine of great finesse and style. Displays classic light nutty, citrus characters with a long penetrating palate. A super wine for current drinking or cellaring in the short term.
Awards:
Gold Winner - Chardonnay Class, 2009 Sheraton Perth Wine Awards
The Chairman’s Award for the Wine of the 2009 Sheraton Perth WA Wine Awards:
Best Chardonnay, RSM Bird Cameron - Timber Towns Regional Wine Show 2009
Best White Wine, RSM Bird Cameron - Timber Towns Regional Wine Show 2009
Wine of the show, RSM Bird Cameron - Timber Towns Regional Wine Show 2009
Regions
- Manjimup (WA)
- South West WA (WA)
Our Recommendations
To see our recommendations, ratings and reviews you must be a logged-in subscriber.
To subscribe please enter your email address in the "Subscribe Now - it's Free" box on the right and click the "Join" button, or fill in this form >
Koolama Estate is located in Smithbrook, near Manjimup in Western Australia South West. It occupies 34 hectares nestled amongst the Karri forest just 13 kilometres ... read more
Tutor your nose to detect the subtle aromas in wine and learn to appreciate and enjoy its complexities. VisitVineyards.com subscribers purchasing Le Nez du Vin aroma sets can save up to $110 and get two Essential Wine Tasting Guides for the price of one. Read about the 
Thinking celebration? Then surely thinking Champagne, the wine that's always part of life's most important occasions. And sometimes just for the pure bubbly, enjoyment. Dine and sip with royalty, celebrity at history-making moments with your copy of Champagne and Chandeliers by Bernadette O'Shea. VisitVineyards.com subscribers, you receive a 15 per cent discount on purchase 
Le Figaro calls her "the undisputed mistress of the kingdom of wine". Receive an immediate introductory 
Like to discover more about this state's lifestyle, wine, food and more? Then ask us now for your free copy of Tasmania 40 Degrees South the magazine that showcases the best of Australia's island state. 
In our No 1 Wine Book of 2010, Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein matches distinctive wines with recipes from his favourite chefs in this book focussing on new and emerging grape varietals. VisitVineyards.com subscribers and Members buying this book will receive a 
The Hickinbotham family invite VisitVineyards.com Members to choose from 
The fabulous Grange and Whitsundays holiday prizes have been drawn. Is your name on our winners list? You could sipping on fine Tasmanian pinot or attending the Weekend Fit for a King or International Cool Climate Wine Show. There are also great wine and book prizes to be claimed so 