After the challenges of the 2006 vintage, 2007 came as blessed relief for most areas of the State, with some of the most promising reds and excellent whites being produced.

Early in the year it looked just about picture perfect but a couple of very hot periods, with temperatures in the mid 40s impacted on baumes and those vineyards not well managed certainly suffered.

However such are the advancements in viticulture these days that most growers were able to manager the situation and produce good quality fruit, albeit at higher sugar levels.

The other major problem was smoke damage from extensive bushfires in the Porongurups.

In the Swan Valley the reds were exceptional while the whites appear solid and slightly more robust than the previous vintage. Most producers of fortifieds believe the quality of fortified material to be just about the best ever.

The other nearby areas Perth Hills and Peel had similar conditions with reds looking particularly strong. Geographe too has a solid reliable vintage that most would put in the seven out of 10 category.

Frankland River had an exceptional vintage and great things are expected of the reds in particular while the whites were above average and looking very promising.

Winemakers in Margaret River are very excited with the reds and most can.t wait to be able to release them in a few years. The whites were also pretty good with slightly more weight than the previous cool vintage.

Pemberton and Manjimup both had good years for reds and whites with good ripeness and no disease problems.

McHenry Hohnen Vintners

3 Amigos Marsanne Chardonnay Rousanne 2005 ($27)

A wine that is all about texture and palate feel. The aroma opens with some slightly nutty creamy characters showing the influence of barrel fermentation and time on lees. The palate really shines with lovely fine acidity providing a zingy freshness. The finish is sustained with crisp acid providing an exquisite lift.

Score:88/100

McHenry Hohnen Vintners

3 Amigos Shiraz Grenache Mataro 2005 ($27)

There is an earthy rustic feel about this wine from the first sniff of its deep aromas to the final impression as the last taste of the generous flavours leave the mouth. The savouriness of the Shiraz, the sweet raspberry floral characters of the Grenache and the deep earthiness of the Mataro are brought together perfectly.

Score:91/100

Oranje Tractor Wine

Albany Rose 2007 ($17.50)

Brilliant pink colour. Light bodied and fresh Rose style with a crisp dry finish. Easy current drinking.

Score:83/100

Piesse Brook

Aldesyde Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 ($16)

Very stylish and richly textured Cabernet showing power and concentration with excellent balance. Earthy dark flavours and a sustained palate.

Score:85/100

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Chardonnay 2005 ($92)

Year in and year out this ranks among the finest wines released in any one year in Australia. This is stunning, combining a delicacy and elegancy with underlying power and persistence. Distinctive grapefruit, cereal and lightly roasted cashew swirl into a palate of great complexity. Palate has a fine delicate purity with impeccable control and focus. This is the wine that defines Australian Chardonnay.

Score:96/100

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Shiraz 2005 ($35)

Since Leeuwin started to rediscover Shiraz a few years ago, this wine is clearly the best. Savour spicy aromas with sprinklings of coffee and mocha. Its' seductive and captivating. Palate is warm and deep with lovely savoury fruit flavours integrated oak and excellent length.

Score:92/100

Chapman Grove Wines

Atticus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($50)

Still incredibly tight and reserved especially on the nose. The palate however, packs some substantial weight with firm tannins, deep and powerful fruit and some terrific oak treatment. It will become a very impressive wine but needs some time in the cellar to show its best.

Score:90/100

Laurance

Aussie Jeans Rock Merlot 2005 ($18)

This modestly priced wine has been a winner for Laurance in terms of quality. Soft and fleshy with lovely vanillin oak understatement. Easy drinking soft and fleshy.

Score:84/100

Watershed

Awakening Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($39.95)

Characteristic scents of mint and red berry with a little cedary oak. The palate has some substantial tannin influence with firmish fruit and excellent oak integration. Still tight and will develop well with cellaring.

Score:88/100

Jane Brook

Back Block Shiraz 2004 ($20.50)

I reckon the extra year has nudged this up a little. There is clearly a distinct vineyard character here of strong gum leaf. It's very Langhorne Creek-like and quite appealing. Beautifully precise and silky smooth palate with a fine long finish. Velvety and seductive.

Score:90/100

Millbrook

Barking Owl Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006 ($16.50)

The entry point into these wines and one which consistently delivered some great value for money drinking. Fresh crunchy and lively tropical grassy flavours with a zippy finish.

Score:86/100

Woodside Valley Estate

Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($56)

Compelling mix of spicy cedar, leafy mint and black currant with a little coffee bean character. The palate delivers with length and strength tightly held with firmish tannins and fine grained oak. Finish shows a little astringency. Classic Margaret River Cabernet.

Score:93/100

Vasse River Wines

Beach Head Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($16)

Plenty of herbaceous Semillon dominating the nose with hints of freshly mown grass and a gentle squeeze of lemon juice. Sustained with some excellent palate weight.

Score:86/100

Beckett's Flat

Belizar's Reserve Chardonnay 2004 ($25)

Intense fruit merged with some roasted cashew and tart mealy flavours. Palate is rich and flavoursome with a crisp acid and complex zippy characters. Nice wine for the medium term.

Score:87/100

Belizar's Reserve Sparkling Shiraz 2003 ($25)

Stacks of dark, ripe fruit with a mix of licorice, dark plum and earthy savoury character. Rich and chocolaty with beautiful flavours. Not a bad wine.

Baxter-Stokes Wines

Biljie Dry Red 2004 ($16)

A medium weight friendly easy drinking wine. Soft warm palate is rounded and supple with some attractive flavours. Good value.

Score:83/100

Woodside Valley Estate

Bissy Merlot 2005 ($49)

More in the medium weight category. Light red currant aromas with a little spice. Palate has firm fine tannins with a little acid and medium bodied red berry fruits.

Score:86/100

Alkoomi

Blackbutt 2004 ($60)

Very complex mix of Cabernet, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Beautiful fragrances of leafy red berry, mint and dark cherry. The palate is something else with substantial structure delivered with graceful style. Has a slippery mouth feel and great length.

Score:94/100

Briarose Estate

Blackwood Cove 2005 ($36)

A blend of Cabernet Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It's immensely powerful yet supremely refined and elegant example of a classy Margaret River red. Ripe slightly grippy tannin, plenty of quality oak and inky black opulent intense fruit knit together into an excellent wine.

Score:91/100

Deep Woods Estate

Block 7 Shiraz 2005 ($25)

Wow this has changed since I last tasted it 12 months ago. Retains its firm elegance, but the flesh and plump middle palate has emerged from the cloak of tannin and oak. Precise and long with terrific focus.

Score:90/100