James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2018

2015 Arlewood Estate Reserve Margaret River Chardonnay

Rating: 96

“From Happs Vineyard in Karridale, matured for 10 months in new and used oak. The intensity of the fruit hits the mouth in the proverbial flash, and doesn’t diminish thereafter. It hits the sweet spot between citrus/grapefruit on the one hand, stone fruit/white peach on the other. This is all about the cool southern end of Margaret River.”

2016 Arlewood Estate Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Rating: 91

“Typically a 70/30% blend with the semillon barrel-fermented. A vibrant wine with a mix of citrus, stone fruits and tropical notes, oak not at all obvious if present. The fruits sing in unison in a decidedly pretty wine”

2014 Arlewood Estate La Bratta Bianco

Rating: 94

“Sauvignon blanc, semillon and chardonnay from Happs Vineyard at Karridale. The sauvignon blanc and Semillon were part barrel-fermented, the components kept separate until blending and bottling. Bright, gleaming green-straw; a complex wine with good texture, structure and length to its mix of citrus/stone fruit flavours.”

2013 Arlewood Estate Margaret River Touriga

Rating: 90

“From the Mazza Vineyard in Donnybrook, two days cold soak pre-fermentation, thereafter used French oak for two years. Juicy red cherry fruit and jam flavours have a contrasting shaft of fine, savoury tannins.”

2014 Arlewood Estate Reserve Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Rating: 95

“A lengthy sojourn in French barriques (50% new) has left an indelible mark on the wine, but the fruit has ultimately carried the day with its intensity and length, the tannins humbled by the long time in barrel.”