 "Put simply, these wines are wonderful" November 2021: The Vinorium was chosen as the ideal partner to sample and explore Western Australian wineries who were eager to find a UK importer. 23 producers submitted their pitches / wines / prices with 17 being shortlisted for our consideration. As ever, I was conscious of each winery's costs and chose a smaller list to sample from – eight to be exact… Samples arrived throughout January ’22 and we set to the task of tucking into the collection. Understandably (certainly from our perspective), everything fell silent post the invasion of Ukraine. For us, this was not the time to bring new producers to market. Of course, life and work must continue however, and given the hardship which many have faced, singing and dancing about luxury items felt unpalatable, and was the reason we placed a pause on the prospect of introducing new, Western Aussie wine producers to the UK. Overall, I was left rather underwhelmed by the samples. Qualitatively speaking there were no issues however, my deflation came from the lack of personality from many of the submissions. See, I take sampling very seriously – I always have done. I am not one for swirling, sniffing and spitting and then moving on to the next wine (and the 60+ thereafter). I have served my apprenticeship and will happily sample at rifle-speed rate however, I have now reached a point in my professional life whereby I prefer to take my time. I enjoy observing how a wine evolves over a day (aeration is such a big influencer, as is the choice of glassware). Equally, one’s mood and surroundings are such important factors too. So, and to give each winemaker fair dues, I will spend a day with their beloved creations. I must add that I continue my normal duties rather being locked in the sampling chamber with a ‘do not disturb’ sign slapped across the door. I can’t imagine spending ten-minutes with a Standish wine. Each, new collection receives at least 72-hours of my focus with each wine sampled at least twenty-times. I like to be thorough and most importantly, provide my customers with a detailed and accurate assessment of any wine we come to market with. I also consider the different surroundings our customers may be in (whilst enjoying a bottle of our wine). Taking a wine home for the evening is the ultimate test and the best sign for any ‘new’ wine. I can sit and enjoy a glass or two whilst swapping viewpoints from a professional, analytical perspective to one as a consumer, which is so important and often missed by many of my peers. Ultimately, if I feel super-happy with my evening's companion, I’m in and will buy. Sadly, many of the Western Aussie submissions were far too similar. Yes, they spoke of their region however, they also spoke of current, fashionable trends which I am not signed up to… I want a wine to reek of personality, flavour, balance, satisfaction and good value for money (regardless of the cost). I want a wine that demands to be drunk. If I can find a wine that I want to drink daily, then I am yours for life. I am an emotional wine buyer which I believe suits my personality and The Vinorium’s concept of delivering exceptional wines each and every time. Serving tosh simply on the basis that it ‘hits the correct price point’ is not for me. I would rather stay at home and retire… Equally, I’m not a fan of ‘it’s okay’ – It’s got to be bloody delicious and worth every penny. Sadly, ninety percent of the submitted samples fell into the ‘fashionable and okay’ bracket and this is the reason they’re still in Australia. Only two producer’s wines stood my simple tests. Today, I introduce the outstanding collection from Aylesbury Estate located in the Ferguson Valley within the Geographe wine region, which is proving to be one of the most diverse and exciting wine regions in Western Australia. Put simply, these wines are wonderful. Their Gamay is, by far, the best Aussie example I have ever sampled and more akin to Pinot Noir than Gamay. That said, Gamay it is and recognisably so, but with more deliciousness thrown in… In terms of pricing, welcome to another ‘Utopos’ dilemma – these are at least 25% undervalued.I have sampled, re-sampled and taken every bottle home with me (several times, if truth be known). Each time, and each bottle, I am left with a euphoric grin.Hail fabulously made wines, full of personality, packed with flavour and superbly priced. I hope my tasting notes provide the key to unlock their competitively priced brilliance.Ryan Gibbs, the owner/operator of Aylesbury Estate, has a rich family history in the Ferguson Valley. Pioneers of the area, the Gibbs family migrated to Western Australia from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire in 1844. The Gibbs family arrived in the Ferguson Valley in 1883, and since that day, the family has lived and worked on the same piece of land, passed down an unbroken chain of succession through five generations. Historically, they have produced citrus, stone-fruit, potatoes and dairy. Ryan now focuses on beef production and of course, high quality wine-grapes. Located in the Ferguson Valley within the Geographe wine region, the Aylesbury Estate property is home to a 200 strong Angus beef breeding herd, complimented with vineyard plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and most recently, Vermentino. This fruit is used in the Pater Series, QO5 and Waterfall Gully ranges. Since 2018, they expanded their property to include the highly awarded 52 Stones Vineyard, where they grow Chardonnay, Arneis and Gamay.  Launch offer prices end Wednesday 1st March at 9.00amThe Pater SeriesPater is Latin for Father, and this series is a tribute to the five generations of fathers and their rare unbroken chain of succession. Their toil, innovation and diversity shaped the land from its native bush into a family farm on which Aylesbury Estate now resides, capturing the essence of the Ferguson Valley in each bottle. Produced from a selection of premium parcels from Aylesbury Estate vineyards in a modern style with elegance, power and finesse. Only the highest grade sections make these two fine, small volume wines. "...this is magical. I love the density, the generosity and if you hadn’t noticed, I am rather smitten by the entire content...This is equal to any Chardonnay costing £40.00."  2020 The Pater Series ChardonnayStuart McCloskey “The bouquet takes a little coaxing (I suggest a quick decant which I failed to follow). Then, we are greeted by a medley of poached pear, melon, spritzy lime zest, confit grapefruit, freshly grated ginger, lemongrass, orange oil, fresh mint, and the sweetest spice(s). The magic happens on the palate – the textural feel is astonishing. Oily with layer-upon-layer of seamless, silky poached fruits. Genuinely, this is mind-blowing stuff. No, this is not unbalanced – this is magical. I love the density, the generosity and if you hadn’t noticed, I am rather smitten by the entire content (label looks swish too). Emphatically long and finishes with a wonderful framework of acidity and sweet spice. This is equal to any Chardonnay costing £40.00. Stupidly, we only purchased 240 bottles. Why I didn’t buy a full pallet is quite frankly stupid. I strongly suggest you serve in a large, bowled glass – I used Zalto’s Burgundy stemware. Delectable now but has all the faculties to cellar for at least 6-8 years.” £26.95 per bottle Launch offer £23.95 Also available in bond £106.35 per case (6x75cl) Only 240 bottles in the UK  "This is a beautiful example of Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Serve at a swanky supper and pretend you paid double the cost – you’ll get away with it."  2018 The Pater Series Cabernet SauvignonGold Medal | Geographe Wine Show 2021 Stuart McCloskey “Sampled over two days. The bouquet is a heady mix of red and black currant, blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, fresh toast, graphite, lavender and blackcurrant pastille along with fresh lead pencil shavings. Black olive, bay leaf, lavender, and floral notes emerge on day two. The palate is wonderfully fresh, firm, balanced and serious – I can feel myself sitting more upright prior to taking my next sample. The tannins and acidity provide the framework for extended cellaring (ten-years and more). This is a beautiful example of Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. I would strongly recommend buying a case – enjoy six bottles over the next 5-6 years and serve the rest at a swanky supper and pretend you paid double the cost – you’ll get away with it. Sheer enjoyment – just wonderful… Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.” £26.95 per bottle Launch offer £23.95 Also available in bond £106.35 per case (6x75cl) Only 240 bottles in the UK QO5Ryan Gibbs' forefathers were pioneers who immigrated from England to the Ferguson Valley in 1883; over 140 years ago. At that time they were issued with a ‘brand’ to earmark and identify their livestock. The Gibbs family’s brand was ‘QO5’ and this has become a unique symbol of the family’s heritage and quality. It also has become a talisman of the insight and foresight to cultivate their deep knowledge of the land into the growing and crafting of wine. The family pride of five generations, the QO5 wines display the excitement and diversity of alternative varieties of wines and fortify our devotion to the Geographe wine region and the Ferguson Valley. "Wonderfully expressive and made in a super-sexy / come-take-me-now style. I love it!"  2022 QO5 ArneisStuart McCloskey “Alluring aromatics of fresh pear, apple, cashew, a zip of grapefruit and the faintest whiff of struck match. Lime, lemongrass, fresh ginger, apricot, subtle florals and an exotic perfume emerge with a little more aeration. Clearly, this sits on the richer side of Arneis (and all the better for it). Furthermore, this is a serious wine which takes the varietal to another level of complexity and pleasure. The palate feel / depth is sensational – waxy, broad and unctuous – this dominates more than specific flavours. Wonderfully expressive and made in a super-sexy / come-take-me-now style. I love it! Drink now or cellar for 3-5 years. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware (Bordeaux would be great). Opt for a ‘larger’ bowl as this will elevate the palate feel…” £19.95 per bottle Launch offer £17.50 Also available in bond £74.15 per case (6x75cl) Only 120 bottles in the UK "A sheer joy and one of the best value wines of 2023...Highly recommended is an understatement. There are no negatives..."  2021 QO5 GamayStuart McCloskey “The compliments are becoming rather embarrassing. In a nutshell, this is the best New World Gamay I have sampled / drunk in the last 27-years. In terms of price, this is seriously undervalued and puts many other Gamays / Pinot Noirs (they are cousins!) priced around the £25-£30 mark to absolute shame. The bouquet is an infusion of black cherry, brambly, hedgerow red fruits, sweet cinnamon, unmistakable blood orange which makes me skip with joy and sweet lavender. Aromatic subtleness concludes with fruit skins and earth. Today, this is thrilling to drink – the palate is another textural bomb (incredibly sensual). Fresh, fleshy, rich, expansive, silky and seamless are just a few descriptions. A sheer joy and joins one of the best value wines of 2023 (all from the same producer). Highly recommended is an understatement. Buy it and serve using Zalto’s Burgundy glassware (or a similar sized bowl). There are no negatives save for the fact that my glass has emptied far too quickly (no spitting allowed). Drink now to 2028.” £19.95 per bottle Launch offer £17.50 Also available in bond £74.15 per case (6x75cl) Only 240 bottles in the UK "Why serve expensive rosé when you can put this on ice for 10-minutes and wow not only yourself, but all your guests too. I’m left doffing and bowing. A frisky delight…"  2021 QO5 TempranilloStuart McCloskey "What I most admire is their unapologetic style – this is another ‘come-take-me’ wine from the Aylesbury collection. Juicy, crunchy and provides immediate pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed half-a-bottle on Sunday afternoon. I finished a long day in the garden and sat in the middle of the lawn – dirty, knackered and wanting a delicious and slightly cooling glass of red wine (along with a touch of substance). Like an epiphany, one of two Marsh Harriers (who reside on the nature reserve where I live) rose from the back of the house and flew over my head. What a sign and a true story for another day. The bouquet grows to spiced red fruits, violet, soused cherry, cola, Campari-like bitters, wood and orange zest. Black olive, anise, leather and fresh, black pepper develop with more aeration. The palate is firm and wonderfully refreshing. The spiced fruit (raspberry, cherry and orange) provide a real prickly tang – a vigorous shake down, if you like… This is never going to win awards or huge scores however, this is crafted to provide vibrancy and bucket loads of fun (albeit with a touch of seriousness). The sweet spice and salinity tick all my boxes. Why serve expensive rosé when you can put this on ice for 10-minutes and wow not only yourself, but all your guests too. I’m left doffing and bowing. A frisky delight…" £19.95 per bottle Launch offer £17.50 Also available in bond £74.15 per case (6x75cl) Only 120 bottles in the UK Waterfall GullyWaterfall Gully, a small gold deposit located near to the Aylesbury Vineyards in the Ferguson Valley, was the scene of fruitless attempts to strike it rich by the early settlers. Rolling hills, cool breezes and endless views on the estate combined with over 130 years of farming knowledge and experience have produced a wine expressing the Geographe Wine region. "This is delicious, especially at this price point...lots of flavourful satisfaction. It’s easy to appreciate the quality and easy to drink this all day long."  2019 Waterfall Gully Cabernet SauvignonStuart McCloskey “A thoroughly enjoyable sibling, which delivers a cracking set of aromas and flavours. This is delicious, especially at this price point. The bouquet opens to cassis, blackcurrant, brambly blackberry, a little chocolate and bay leaf. The palate is medium-bodied and the flavours roll with ease. I admire the freshness and the balance (very neat and tidy). There really isn’t anything not to like. Of course, this does not enter the realms of complexity, but it does provide lots of flavourful satisfaction. It’s easy to appreciate the quality and easy to drink this all day long. Drinking now through to 2026…” Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion “This is a riotous feast of berry aromatics - it's so bright that it brings a smile to the dial. The palate follows as instructed, lending a crunchy nouveau vibe to the wine. Not strictly serious cabernet, but seriously joyful, with enough layers of interest to hold attention. Ripper.” £14.50 per bottle Launch offer £12.95 Also available in bond £102.75 per case (12x75cl) |
