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Higher Plane
http://www.higherplanewines.com.au/
Higher Plane is a family owned vineyard which was established in 1996 with the vision to create handcrafted, precise wines, a genuine expression of their origin.
The vineyard is in the pristine southern Forest Grove sub-region of Margaret River where the influence of the Southern Ocean is the greatest. Undulating hills and valleys with north and south facing slopes, and spring fed watercourses create an ideal environment for site-specific planting of the noble grape varieties.
The property has ideal exposure and gravely duplex soils (and adjoins the Devil's Lair vineyard). The varieties planted were carefully selected clones and closely planted to produce low yields and increase fruit intensity, with defined varietal expression. Close planting helps to achieve more even ripening, especially in area with cooler temperatures and less sunlight hours due to cloud cover.
Featured Wines
South by Southwest Shiraz 2007 ($21.50)
Scented aromas of vanilla and red berry with juicy plum and cherry nuances. It's a thoroughly engaging wine of rich texture and supple palate structure. Great drinking over the next few years.
Score:89/100
South By Southwest Cabernet Merlot 2006 ($21.50)
Medium-bodied, elegant wine showing some cool fruit influence of mint and red currant. Very much a wine that lets the fruit play the dominant role with understated minimal oak use.
Score:86/100
Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
This deliciously succulent and juicy Cabernet is starting to come into its own. Has an appealing blackcurrant and black olive aromas with overlays of cedary and plum. Tannins are substantial and the oak well handled. A wine with some years ahead if it.
Score:90/100
Chardonnay 2007 ($34)
More powerful and intense than the previous vintage. Showing this vineyard is really coming into its own. Mix of cereal and stone fruit with a nutty edge. A wine of finesse and style from this very good vintage. One of the best yet from Higher Plane.
Score:93/100
South by Southwest Cabernet Merlot 2007 ($21.50)
This is just such a friendly enjoyable wine. You'll want to keep on keeping on until the last drop is drained....in moderation of course. Exotic spicy perfumed scents on the nose of red berry and minty violet overtones. The palate is supple and deliciously fruity with a little cedary oak for complexity. Fine silky tannins complete a very good wine.
Score:92/100
Cellar:5 years