Verdelho 2020

Awards 🏆

Halliday 95 Points

Hand picked over an 8-day period, fermented entirely in stainless steel to preserve freshness. Crunchy acidity and a salivating plump mid palate which is crammed to bursting with nashi pear, green apple, soft talcy florals and gentle suggestions of citrus pith. Incredibly pretty, almost dusty, very satisfying and has great length of flavour.

Tasting Notes 🍇

• Colour: Pale straw with subtle green and straw hues.
• Aromatics: A vibrant bouquet of tropical and passion fruits with a delicate spicy lift.
• Palate: Crisp and refreshing with pure fruit intensity, balanced by natural acidity, culminating in a long, dry finish.
• Finish: Clean and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of fresh citrus and subtle spice.

Viticulture & Winemaking

• Region: Wilyabrup, Margaret River, WA
• Varietal: 100% Verdelho
• Harvest Dates: 5th & 12th February 2020
• Vineyard History: Derived from the historic “Old Block” (1976) and “Verdelho over the creek” (1987), known for exceptional vine age and concentrated fruit.
• Winemaking Process:
  • Grapes are hand-picked and processed on site using estate facilities.
  • The wine is made in an unwooded style to preserve the fruit’s natural vibrancy.
  • Bottled on 1st May 2020 with a Stelvin+ closure.
• Technical Data:
  • Alcohol: 13.5% v/v
  • pH: 3.05
  • Total Acidity: 7.5 g/L

Storage & Serving Tips ❄️

• Serving Temperature: Best served chilled at 8–10°C.
  • If stored in a fridge, remove for 7 minutes before serving to allow the wine to reach its ideal temperature.
• Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now for its fresh vibrancy or cellar for more than 5 years to develop further complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Spicy Asian Cuisine: Pairs wonderfully with dishes like Thai curries or soft-shell crab dumplings.
• Grilled Seafood: Ideal with lightly grilled fish or prawns, where the wine’s acidity enhances freshness.
• Charcuterie & Aged Cheeses: Complements a board of cured meats, olives, and robust cheeses.
• Vegetarian Options: A vibrant beet salad with goat cheese or a fresh citrus-dressed salad.

FAQ Wine Terms 🧐

❓ What is meant by an “unwooded style”?
It refers to wines fermented and matured without oak influence, preserving the pure, unadulterated fruit character and natural acidity.

❓ Why does Verdelho age so well?
Its natural acidity and concentrated fruit allow it to develop complex secondary and tertiary flavours—such as spice, honeysuckle, and nutty, toasty nuances—with cellaring.

❓ What is the significance of the “Old Block” and “Verdelho over the creek”?
These historic vineyard blocks produce grapes of exceptional quality, with vines that have built up deep concentration and character over decades, resulting in wines with remarkable depth and purity.

About Ashbrook Estate

Now a 3rd generation winery, established by the Devitt family in 1975, Ashbrook Estate is located in Margaret River and produced its first commercial wine in 1979 and completed its 45th vintage in 2023. Currently owned and operated by Carol and Brian Devitt, daughter Catherine Edwards, and son Richard, Ashbrook has now been a family business for over 45 years. Only grapes handpicked and grown on the Estate are used and all processing, winemaking, bottling and packaging are closely controlled using the Estate’s own state of the art facilities.

Australia’s pre-eminent wine authority and critic, James Halliday, has awarded Ashbrook Estate a five-star rating from Wine Companion, an accolade afforded to only Australia’s top wineries. He describes the meaning of his five-star rating as “Outstanding winery capable of producing wines of very high quality and, did so this year. Also will usually have at least two wines rated at 95 points or above.”

We can order in the Ashbrook wine you desire. Simply email us at info@partnersinwine.com.au