The idyllic Margaret River region of Western Australia has become one of the country's top locations for fine wine, producing ageworthy wines with balanced fruit and finesse. Located in the heart of the region, Passel Estate is made up of 9ha of sustainably managed vineyards within 30ha of conservation land. The local bushland is a very special biome that houses a number of rare species, including the Western Ringtail Possum, a Passel (family) of which were relocated to the estate after the 2011 Margaret River wildfires, giving the estate its new name.

Winemaker Bruce Dukes aims to preserve the elegant character of the grapes, using gentle winemaking to give wines of purity and balance. They like to age the wines a little in bottle before release, a real treat for us drinkers to have these wines that have gained in complexity through maturing in the winery.

Passel Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2018 - £31.50

While great Chardonnay is made across Australia, Margaret River has a good claim to be the finest source in the country for this well-loved variety. Passel's style is very inspired by white Burgundy, and excels in delivering depth of flavour and finesse at a very fair price in comparison!

Hand-harvested and sorted grapes are pressed directly to French oak barrels for fermentation, they only use 35% new barrels to avoid overpowering the natural character of the fruit. After fermentation the wine ages a further 10 months in the same barrels on the lees.

Impeccably balanced between fruit, oak and mineral notes with an underlying creaminess matched perfectly by the crisp acidity in the finish. Aromas of nectarine, tangerine and lemon complimented by hints of toasted nuts and flint. An outstanding partner for dressed crab or chicken with morels. 

Passel Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2018 - £31.50

This is such a delicious Shiraz! Combining the rich black fruit typical of Aussie Shiraz with more of the freshness and savouriness of Syrah from the Rhone, this is a lovely display of how this variety fares in the Mediterranean climate of Margaret River.

Whole berry fermentation is part of the magic, a process that captures lots of bright fruit aroma with less tannic extraction, giving the wine its lovely openness and silky mouthfeel. 10 months in French oak before aging in bottle have helped take any remaining edge off, giving a supremely smooth and supple red.

Ripe, sun-soaked black fruits (blackberry, plum, even a hint of blueberry) are joined by a spice-rack worth of anise, nutmeg and cracked black pepper on the delightful nose. Plump and generous on the palate, with ripe gentle tannins and a lingering finish backed up by refreshing acidity. A joy to drink with game or lamb.