West Of Temperance

Voyager Estate

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2009

Aromatics of black fruits with a touch of menthol (eucalyptus in these parts). Not as herbaceous as the northern part of Margaret River up In Wilyabrup. Oak is noticeable on the palate initially (even at 16 years). One of the few Cab Merlot blends as their top Cuvée (Cullen is another) in preference to straight Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate ripe black fruits and mulberry. Finishes with fine tannins. HH has a long drinking window on this, up to 2039 which I don’t think many will have the willpower to follow- including me. — 10 days ago

Ceccherini, Daniel and 21 others liked this

Lenton Brae

Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

See previous notes from the 2008 and 2009 vintages. Initial toasty oak notes - a surprise after 14 years but still good. Not the usual Margaret River herbaceousness. 2011 was a disastrous vintage throughout Australia with the exception of the extremities - Margaret River and the Hunter Valley. An easy to drink Wilyabrup Cabernet - punches above its purchase price of $55. — a month ago

Doug, Tom and 15 others liked this

St Innocent Winery

Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 1999

Redfruits, still quite youthful, some tannins as well, lacks just a bit of charm for a Pinot, but also perhaps why it’s so youthful, medium-long finish, very good Oregon Pinot!! — 3 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Shay, Scott@Mister and 2 others liked this

Cullen Wines

Diana Madeline Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Deep ruby colour with aromatic notes on nose with berry flavours with hints of chassis and tobacco on palate well balanced although still some acidity as under screw cap but sure to develop and mellow further.
An excellent example of Margaret River Bordeaux blending.
— 4 months ago

Tom and Ron liked this

Xanadu Wines

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

.Visually dark, opaque black-purple hue, hinting at the concentration.
On the nose, a bouquet of blackberry and plums.
The palate transitions seamlessly, revealing a well-structured profile where integrated tannins provide a firm yet smooth framework. This structure supports a core of persistent fruit that carries through to a notably long and satisfying finish.
A good example of the generally improving wines coming through behind the top liners.
— 11 days ago

Rick, Bob and 2 others liked this

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2013

A pale lemon yellow in colour - quite youthful looking for a 12 year old Chardonnay. Aromatics of white peach - mealy and nutty notes, still with a nice acid cut at the finish. Drinking at its peak. Fuller than some Marg River Chardonnays I’ve had lately like Xanadu and Fraser Gallop. I have had richer Art Series Chardonnays but personally I love the balance in this. — a month ago

Jeroen, Tom and 21 others liked this
Rob Brobst III

Rob Brobst III Influencer Badge

@Bob McDonald wow that looks like an amazing bottle of aged Chardonnay
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Rob Brobst III Always a quality bottle of Chardonnay Rob. Varies between medium bodied to medium/full bodied but built to last 10+ years.

Vasse Felix

Filius Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Pretty blue fruits and black fruits, lovely balance, kiss of oak, medium-weight, medium-long finish, very nice Margaret River Cabernet! — 3 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Ira, Severn and 10 others liked this

Moss Wood

Moss Wood Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Margaret River herbaceousness and mint but richer in this excellent vintage with plum and mulberry. This wine is 20 years young and will cellar for another 10 years without a problem. 14% ABV. First planted in 1969. Un-irrigated, Scott Henry trellis. One of the great Moss Woods - up there with 2001. If the Barolo I had yesterday was one of the best reds so far in 2025 this was only a point behind it. — 25 days ago

Doug, Tom and 18 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Doug Powers Doug, Moss Wood was founded by Dr Bill Pannell and his wife in 1969 but in 1985 ownership went to Keith Mugford and his wife. The winery is still under the ownership of the Mugfords. The Pannells had a son, Stephen who is a very successful winemaker in his own right.
Andrew Cullimore

Andrew Cullimore Premium Badge

Nice one @Bob McDonald …. Still got some bottles in the cellar , I hope ?
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Andrew Cullimore Started with a dozen and happy to say I have 4 bottles left. This will be a 30+ year wine. Maybe a bottle every 18 months to 2 years going forward?

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Margaret River Shiraz 2020

Nicely aromatic & restrained (for Australia) with purity of dark fruit (blackberries, plums, mulberry), nice depth and excellent tannins quality - juicy, polished, finely grained.
Very elegant & with beautiful balance between the ripeness & savoury notes.
A really lovely wine!
— 2 months ago

Daniel and Lyle liked this

Moss Wood

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

My 11th bottle of an original dozen bought on release. Still going strong after 26 years. Colour of mid crimson with a tawny rim. When decanted the wine threw a lot of sediment. Herbaceous with red fruits - hint of red currants. Palate is mid weight - sweet and savoury at once, finishing with smooth resolved tannins. I will leave the last one for another 1 or 2 years / say early 2027. — 3 months ago

David, Jeroen and 24 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Excellent!!