Region
Margaret River
Our home. Girt by sea and rolling hills, Margeret River drew us across the land in search of wines with purity of fruit character, elegance and substance. A stunningly diverse region, we chose the central Wilyabrup district for our vineyard as it is here that the most complex yet balanced wines are produced. Our vines stand proudly nestled amongst some of the biggest names in wine, producing stunning fruit for the Stonefish Varietal series wines. We can’t wait to see you at the Stonefish Margaret River Cellar Door soon.
History
The Margaret River is a wine region in the southwest corner of Western Australia, known to the locals as ‘The Cape Region’. Its vineyards produce internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and other varietals. While the region produces less than 3 percent of Australia’s wine, it accounts for more than a fifth of its premium wine.
The Margaret River was scientifically identified by Dr John Gladstone (UCLA) in 1969 as being the most perfect area in the world to grow premium wine grapes. The first plantings were established in 1967/68 and now accounts for 1.5% of the national production and 23% of Australia’s premium bottled wine market in sale.
Yielding
The region is very low yielding and the vintage each year will vary between 2 and a half tonnes to the acre and 4 tonnes depending on variety and fruit requirements.
Fruit costs in the region are significantly higher than in other parts of Australia due to low yielding vines.
Flavour concentration is distinctly evident when tasting wines from the region.
Awards
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion – 2020 Edition
2017 Stonefish Reserve Barossa Valley Shiraz – 94 Points
“Machine-harvested and sorted, crushed to tank, 5-7 days fermentation, matured in French oak (50% new) for 12 months. Deep colour, rice blackberry and blood plum fruit, attractive spicy tannin structure.”
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion – 2018 Edition
2015 Stonefish Reserve Barossa Valley Shiraz – 92 Points
“Atypical with a deep dark garnet, glossy sheen to the palate with plenty of ripe to overripe fruit with apricot kernel and spicy too. Somewhat ballsy with the oak but all balanced.”
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion – 2017 Edition
2013 Stonefish Reserve Barossa Valley Shiraz – 90 Points
“This is full-bodied, with plenty of fruit, but sandblasted by the amount of oak. Those who love oak should try it out ? they may love it.”
China Wine & Spirits Awards 2015
2013 Reserve Shiraz – Gold Medal
China Wine & Spirits Awards ‘Best Value’ 2015
2013 Reserve Shiraz – Double Gold Medal
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion – 2016 Edition
✪ 2012 Reserve Barossa Shiraz – 95 Points
“This is a very smart Barossa shiraz, immediately ticking all the boxes; there is an energy to the purple fruits that lifts the finish into a fresh, juicy mouthfeel; soft, ripe tannins and integrated oak add a dimension to the well balanced plummy finish.”
China Wine & Spirits Awards 2014
2012 Reserve Barossa Valley Shiraz – Gold Medal
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion – 2014 Edition
2011 Reserve Barossa Valley Shiraz – 87 Points
“Medium red-purple; I’m not sure how or why this came to be labelled as Reserve; it has some savoury black fruit aromas and flavours, but lacks mid-palate vinosity.”
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion – 2013 Edition
✪ 2010 Reserve Shiraz – 93 points
“Deep crimson-purple; the wine has layer-upon-layer-upon-layer of blackberry, blood plum, spice and licorice flavours; oak barely rating a mention, the tannins full, round and soft. Exceptional value from the ’10 vintage.”