Passel Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2018

Passel Estate in the picturesque Margaret River region of Western Australia combines production of outstanding wines with a passion for conservation. Alongside 6.7ha of sustainably farmed vineyards, the estate includes 10ha of native bushland, reserved for conservation to protect the rare native species living there. A family (or Passel) of endangered Western Ringtail Possums were relocated to this sanctuary after the 2011 Margaret River bushfires, inspiring the estate's new name.

From their mature Shiraz vineyards planted in 1994, this brilliantly combines the ripe fruit of a typical Australian Shiraz with the finesse and aromatics of a Rhone Syrah. Fermented as whole berries to preserve maximum fruit aroma before pressing directly to French oak barrels where the wine was aged for 10 months.

The nose is full of sun-drenched black fruits, plum and blackberry, with sweet and exotic spices including allspice, star anise and nutmeg. Ripe and generous on the palate, with supple tannin and peppery black fruits. An open and fresh expression of Shiraz that combines superb concentration with excellent drinkability, a marvellous partner for grilled or roasted meats.