Were Estate

http://www.wereestate.com.au/

Were Estate is owned by Gordon and Diane Davies who purchased the property in 1993. The property was the 'home paddocks' of the Karendale Horse Stud. Karendale had been in the Forrest family since 1947 and was used mainly as a horse stud and agistment of brood mares. The vineyard was planted on the property in 1998.
The current owners were enchanted by the charm of the property and the remnants of the horse stud that remained such as the stockyards stables 'strapper's flat' and racetrack. To preserve this charm the 'strappers flat' was converted into the cellar door. The 'strapper' was the young apprentice that looked after the horses in the adjoining stables and the 'flat' was his/her residence.

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Continues the exceptional run for this producer with this blend. Intense and very tight wine showing powerful gooseberry and fresh nettle characters. The palate has a racy crisp acidity. Very long palate with some short-term ageing potential.

Score:92/100

Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Showing more citrus and limey characters than some previous vintages. It is still quite controlled and racy with that fresh acidity maintaining a long finish. Has a real crunchy mouth feel.

Score:88/100

Shiraz 2005

An attractive medium-bodied Shiraz with a slightly sinewy leanness to it. There's good fruit expression with fine tannins and some fine-grained oak characters. The savoury spiciness adds some interest with the deft touch of cedary oak very nicely judged.

Score:87/100

Shiraz Cabernet 2007 ($19)

Immensely powerful concentrated aromas of cigar box, black currant and black olive with rich dark plum nuances. The palate is deep and richly textured with some minerally Cabernet emerging. It's well structured and controlled with firm tannins and perfectly weighted oak.

Score:92/100

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($18)

There's some powerful and intense fruit in here that takes a step up from last year's very good wine. Gooseberry and nettle on the nose with touch of citrus and melon. Lovely delicate lingering palate with real power.

Score:93/100

Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($19)

Plenty going on in here. Subtle passionfruit and crunchy fresh tropical fruit in this thoroughly delightful wine. Mouth watering palate with a nifty little fresh acid. Good stuff.

Score:89/100

Shiraz 2004 ($25)

A nice medium-bodied wine showing good fruit expression of gamy meaty characters with a spicy savoury lift. The palate is soft and warm with nicely integrated oak and flavour.

Score:88/100

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($25)

This is a beautiful expression of Margaret River Cabernet. It shows almost perfumed aromas of red berries and cedary oak. The palate has a minty red currant flavour with elegantly fine tannins and plenty of intense penetrating flavours. A refined example of the variety.

Score:92/100