Margaret, what a great guy!
Max Crus
Margaret River in Western Australia is renowned for its superb wine
Don’t you hate it when your mates go somewhere you’ve always wanted to, before you do? Actually Antone has been to most places first so I shouldn’t have been envious at his gloating, unexpected, call.
Not wanting it rubbed in, I demanded a letter, sneakily contriving to fashion it into a column.
Regrettably I couldn’t understand it, a complaint I often receive from Antone, so decided to ‘fess up to his input, and get one back.
Here goes...
“Its not every day that one gets the chance to meet a great guy like Margaret, well, a river called Margaret. As Max's personal assistant I accepted the mission of taking on the Mighty Margie and her rapidest wineries. If I only had a pair of sunglasses to throw away!
Its never easy playing Proxy - just ask Hugh Grant - but off I went, to a region that was full of flowing water, rain, wind, surf and large bunches of grapes.
After surviving the 14 hour flight from Sydney to Perth - I never knew it took that long - but bad case of wind will do that - I arrived ready for a quiet drink.
Heading down the highway to Bunker Bay, the road took on its true reflection of Suburbia, soon the entire freeway will be full of new home owners and a burgeoning populous. It is this experience that prepares one for the multitude of wineries that exist in the Margaret River precinct. From fine wines to fine women, the Settlers Tavern (Google it!) had some real friendly folk, the area does not disappoint.
Even the chocolate factory offers 'wine' with their selection, but the red earth car park stole the show, leaving behind the subtle hue of the security guards!
Fine cheese, fine wine and a mighty fine time, I think I've laid the groundwork for your arrival, Max!
Ahh, Proxy, its never been so good!”
See what I mean? It’s a lot easier to understand the fruits of his labours:
Hamelin Bay Margaret River 2005 Chardonnay $26. Simple, stylish and eminently slurpable, so stock up while you can. 8.5/10.
McHenry Hohnen 2006 Calgardup Brook Chardonnay Margaret River $37. Yep, serious chardonnay, but you know that from the price. And a sniff and a sip will confirm. 8.8/10.
Watershed (Margaret River) Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003, $24. After a string of big chunky shirazes failed to impress, it was apparent we had to call a cab. One with a merlot in the back seat was even better. 8.5/10.
Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2005, $42. That unmistakable air of posh oak was a dead giveaway that this would not be found in the specials bin at your local. You won’t find it in my cellar anymore either. Heavy duty stuff for big occasions. 9/10.
Barwick Estates Margaret River 2007 Semillon, $18. You couldn’t get further from the Hunter if you tried, 3,000kms roughly, and so’s the wine. Much more sav’ than sem’. 8.4/10.
Devil’s Lair 2004 Chardonnay, $40. “...best we’ve ever made”, proclaims winemaker Stuart Pym. Okay, I am willing to try them all to see. It’d be hard to top however. 9/10.
© Max Crus
First published 3 November, 2007
Regions
- Margaret River (WA)
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The Watershed vineyard is situated 4.8 km south of Margaret River at the intersection of Darch Road and Bussell Highway, on Western Australia's South West Coast. read more
Barwick EstatesBarwick Estates produce fine wines from vineyards in Margaret River, Blackwood Valley and Pemberton in the South West of Western Australia. Wines are made on site ... read more
Cape Mentelle
Cape Mentelle is a founding winery of the Margaret River region, established in 1970. One of the most remote wine regions in the world, located in the south west ... read more
Devil's Lair Wines is located in Forst Grove, in the margaret River wine region of the South West Coast of Western Australia. The winery takes it name from the nearby ... read more
Hamelin BayHamelin Bay is located in Karridale, in the Margaret River wine region on the South West Coast of Western Australia. If travelling on Caves Road turn east on Bushby ... read more
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