Peter Nicholas is a man I seemed destined to track down. Yet again Mr Whirly followed his nose to his winery, picking him out as the one winery to visit in the area from Halliday’s “ Australian wine Companion”. I spoke to Peter on the phone, wrote some directions down and headed out to Yanmah ridge. An hour later I was trundling down dirt roads in wonderful open yet seemingly dry and arid countryside. This is what thrills me and makes me so excited about my work: meeting new winemakers who become friends in far off places.
Peter Nicholas described Manjimup as the “ perfect location” in a study of grape growing regions in WA enabling him to complete his winemaking degree at Roseworthy Agiricultural college.
“ The winemaking philosophy of Yanmah Ridge is simple: to create wines of unique character and maximum quality, fully expressing the terroir of the Yanmah ridge site.
Established in 1987, the Yanmah Ridge vineyard is situated in one of the oldest known land regions in the world, an area full of ancient myth and legend. Set on gravelly loams in the midst of magnificent temperate rainforests in the southwest of western Australia”
“Yanmah ridge vineyards are unique in that they were the first and possibly only vineyard to be established in WA based purely on an in depth study to find the perfect location for grape growing in the southwest of WA. In 1985, as a requirement to complete his winemaking qualification at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia, Peter undertook a project to examine the most ideal wine growing region in WA. The only criteria were to find the best climate and soils, regardless of previous grape growing history or reputation and based on the worlds top quality regions. The end result pointed to an area around Manjimup”
“After touring the shire of Manjimup in 1985 the perfect location was selected in 1986 and the first 8 hectares were planted in 1987 on well drained Jarrah and red gum gravelly loams. It was the first commercial vineyard in what is now the Manjimup wine region. 250 metres above sea level at the base to 315 metres at its peak. All vines were planted on North facing slopes, critical for the later ripening varieties such as Cabernet and Semillon.”
2001
Cabernet-Merlot
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc: the wine is modelled on the traditional Bordeaux style of wine….
“ This Cabernet Sauvignon is enhanced by a 40% addition of Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The wine is mid to deep garnet colour showing blackcurrant, red berry and minty aromas with nuances of tobacco leaf. The palate is complex with cranberry, blackcurrant and plum fruits, crisp balancing acidity and dry fined grained tannins. This wine is a good cellaring prospect that will compliment red meat and game dishes. To experience this wine at its best decant before imbibing.”
Alc 14% vol
£14.65 a bottle
Mr Whirly says
“A classic Bordeaux blend with western Australian deep south scrubland add on’s; strong Eucalyptus, Gum, Mari and Karri tree influences. The deep purple colour would suggest this wine is still quite young even though it’s already 6 years old! This is a really positive sign. Full, rich autumn hedgerow berries, tobacco and sweet cassis with a hint of grip. Drink now or cellar for up to 7 years. Try with Marinated Lamb Shanks cooked the Moroccan way.”
Prices...
(all prices are per bottle and ex vat.
Unless stated the bottles are 750ml)
Whilst Whirly wine will endeavour to maintain prices
at the same level we reserve the right to change the prices of the wines
without given notice. This will invariably be due to the fluctuation of
currency rates and therefore beyond our control
Wines will be delivered, where possible, within 48 hours but this cannot be guaranteed. The majority of deliveries throughout the UK will be charged at a set rate of £9.95 plus VAT but this depends on the number of cases ordered and exactly where the delivery is to in the UK. Please ask for delivery rates at the time of ordering. Delivery from the “ Whirly Van” will be charged at £7.50 plus VAT.
Whirly wine reserves the right not to sell any wine to anyone who it suspects of being less than 18 years old