Awards 🏆

95 Points – Wine Companion (James Halliday)
“A blend of 80/20% Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc picked six weeks apart, which left no choice but to separate fermentation and maturation… The colour is superb… Juicy overtones of cassis… Normally a blend of similar Bordeaux reds doesn’t enhance the wine as much as it does (say) with Shiraz and Viognier.”

Tasting Notes 🍇

Colour: Deep red with vibrant hues.
Aromatics: Blackcurrants and raspberries, layered with tobacco leaf and cedary French oak. 
Palate: Rich and generous entry with vibrant berry characters, framed by tobacco leaf and French oak. Mid-weighted, with well-integrated tannins offering balance and savouriness. Finishes round and long. 

Winemaker’s Note

“The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were harvested separately, fermented in closed fermenters with 2-3 pump overs daily for 16 days, then matured in French oak for 15 months to build complexity while preserving cool-climate freshness.”

Viticulture & Winemaking

🔹 Region: Wragg Road Vineyard, Mount Barker / Great Southern, WA 
🔹 Varietal: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon · 20% Cabernet Franc
🔹 Alcohol: 14.0% Alc/Vol · pH 3.55 · T.A. 6.0 g/L 
🔹 Harvest Dates: Cabernet Franc 24 March 2021; Cabernet Sauvignon 6 April 2021 
🔹 Maturation: 15 months in French oak (23% new) 
🔹 Production: Machine harvested fruit, destemmed and crushed into closed fermenter, fermented with pump-overs for 16 days then pressed and barreled.

Sustainability & Vineyard Practices 🌱

3 Drops is committed to cool-climate viticulture in the Great Southern, producing wines that reflect site and variety with minimal intervention. Their Wragg Road Vineyard is farmed to express structural purity, elegance and regional identity.

Storage & Serving Tips ❄️

🔹 Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C – ideal to unlock aromatics and soften structure.
🔹 Decanting: 30-45 mins recommended for full aromatic development.
🔹 Cellaring Potential: Drink now for richness or cellar through to ~2030 for evolving nuance.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

🔹 Grass-fed beef fillet with redcurrant jus – highlights cassis and tannin structure.
🔹 Vegetarian cassoulet with earthy beans and mushrooms – complements savoury notes.
🔹 Aged Gouda or Comté – balances richness with fine tannin grip.
🔹 Char-grilled portobello mushrooms with herbed butter – a vegan pairing matching the wine’s complexity.

FAQ Wine Terms 🧐

❓ Why blend Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc?
Cabernet Sauvignon provides backbone and dark fruit intensity, while Cabernet Franc adds aromatic lift, spice and mid-palate refinement—together they create greater harmony than either alone.
❓ What is “cool-climate” Cabernet like in the Great Southern?
Compared to warmer regions, cooler vintage sites yield cabernet with higher natural acidity, refined tannin, lifted perfume and more savoury detail rather than overt power.
❓ What does “23% new oak” signify?
Only a portion of the barrels are new, ensuring oak influence is present but not dominant—preserving fruit purity and regional character.

Learn More About 3Drops

3drops Winery is located Southwest of Mount Barker in the heart of the acclaimed Great Southern wine region of Western Australia, vines and olive trees flourish side by side in the cool, pristine climate.

3 Drops Winery: A Taste of Western Australia

Nestled in the heart of Mount Barker, 3 Drops Winery is a gem of the Great Southern region of Western Australia, renowned for its exceptional wines and stunning vineyard landscapes. Our unique location benefits from a Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm summer days and cool nights, ideal for grape growing. Complemented by gravelly loam soils, our vineyards showcase a distinctive terroir that imparts remarkable flavours and complexity to our wines.

Our Vineyards: A Legacy of Quality

Established in 1999, 3 Drops Winery began with the meticulous planting of eight hectares of vines along Wragg Road. Our initial selections included a diverse array of varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz. This foundational planting set the stage for what has become a dynamic and thriving vineyard.

In 2002, we expanded our horizons to include an additional 6.5 hectares, diversifying our offerings with the introduction of Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Nebbiolo. This commitment to variety allows us to produce a rich tapestry of wines that cater to a wide range of palates and preferences.

A significant milestone for 3 Drops came in May 2006 with the acquisition of the adjacent Patterson’s vineyard. This six-hectare expansion not only increased our vineyard size by 50 per cent but also enriched our portfolio with valuable aged vines. Originally planted in 1982, Patterson’s vineyard is home to exceptional Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir grapes, each contributing to the depth and character of our wine selections.

Our Philosophy: Quality and Passion in Every Bottle

At 3 Drops Winery, we believe that great wine starts in the vineyard. Under the meticulous management of our dedicated viticulturist, Ray Williams, we focus on sustainable practices that enhance the health of our vines and the environment. Our commitment to quality is further elevated by the expertise of winemaker Rob Diletti, known for his innovative approach at Castle Rock. Together, Ray and Rob ensure that every bottle of wine produced at 3 Drops reflects the dedication, passion, and craftsmanship involved in the winemaking process.

Our Signature Wines: A Journey of Flavour

Our wines are a true expression of our unique terroir, with each varietal showcasing distinct characteristics that reflect the land and climate. Among our standout offerings, our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have garnered particular acclaim. The Pinot Noir is celebrated for its elegant structure, vibrant fruit flavours, and subtle earthy undertones, making it a perfect companion for a variety of dishes. Our Chardonnay exhibits a beautiful balance of richness and acidity, with notes of stone fruits and a hint of oak, ideal for those who appreciate a classic yet refined white wine.

In addition to these signature varietals, our diverse portfolio includes the crisp and aromatic Riesling, the full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, and the smooth Merlot, ensuring that there is something for every wine lover to enjoy.

The Climate and Soil: A Perfect Combination

The climate at 3 Drops Winery plays a crucial role in producing high-quality wines. With warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, our Mediterranean climate allows for a long and gradual ripening period. This extended growing season enables the grapes to develop rich flavours and maintain a perfect balance of acidity. The cool nights further enhance the fruit’s freshness, ensuring vibrant characteristics in every bottle.

Our vineyard’s gravelly loam soils are equally significant, providing excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to support healthy vine growth. The mineral-rich composition of the soil contributes unique flavour profiles to our grapes, enhancing their complexity and depth. This harmonious interplay between climate and soil allows us to create wines that truly reflect the essence of our terroir.

There are some wonderful reviews on the 3drops wine range from Wine Companion & Ray Jordan.