Review 🏅

Wine Companion – 95 Points

This is proper stuff. Lush and soft, rich and round, but all the balance in play. Sweet spices meet ripe fruit plays with gentle woody notes and a sluice of crushed rock minerality underlying. Loaded with character, layers to the wine, a light, palate-staining intensity and yet freshness, too. It mainlines the variety and delivers great satisfaction.

Tasting Notes 🍷

• Colour: Deep ruby with purple flashes.
• Aromatics: Bursting with ripe black plum, crushed cassis, bay leaf, a whisper of sea spray and hints of cinnamon and pipe tobacco.
• Palate: Rich and juicy on entry, with a pillowy mouthfeel and layers of plush black fruit. Velvety tannins coat the palate, supported by hints of sweet spice, tobacco leaf, and cedar. Vibrant acidity adds freshness, keeping everything beautifully in balance.

Finish: Long, soft, and moreish, with lingering fruit and spice.

Winemaker’s Note

“This is a wine that wears its heart on its sleeve. We wanted to showcase Malbec’s naturally rich, juicy character while bringing in a layer of charm and structure from American oak. It’s a wine to drink with people, with food, or with both. Once opened, it doesn’t stay full for long.”

Sustainability & Regional Expression

Crafted with fruit from two premium WA regions—Frankland River provides backbone and acidity, while Donnybrook contributes plushness and aromatics. Minimal intervention in the winery allows Malbec to do what it does best: be bold, generous, and seriously good fun to drink.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Serving Temperature: 16°C for ideal texture and aromatics. If being stored at room temperature place in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to drinking.

• Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar to 2028 for more savoury development.

• Glassware: A large red wine glass will amplify the bold aromatics and soft tannins.

FAQ – Malbec & Wine Terms Explained 🤔

Q: What is Malbec known for?
A: Malbec is loved for its deep colour, plush fruit, and smooth tannins. Originally from France, it thrives in warmer climates where it develops rich, ripe flavours.

Q: What does “American oak” add to the wine?
A: American oak tends to give sweeter spice notes—think vanilla, cinnamon, coconut—and a rounder, more plush mouthfeel compared to French oak.

Q: Why blend fruit from two regions?
A: It’s all about balance. Frankland River adds structure and freshness, while Donnybrook gives the wine ripeness and aromatic lift.

Q: What does “mouth-coating tannin” mean?
A: It refers to the soft, velvety texture that lingers on your palate after a sip—like the wine is giving your mouth a little hug.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder – Rich and savoury to match the wine’s plush depth.
• Smoked Brisket Tacos with Chimichurri – A match made in flavour heaven.
• Eggplant Parmigiana – Hearty, cheesy and perfect with Malbec’s velvety tannin.
• Roast Mushroom Risotto – Earthy richness meets dark fruit and spice.

Technical Details

• Grape Variety: 100% Malbec

• Region: Frankland River & Donnybrook, WA

• Alcohol: 13%

• Maturation: 15 months in new and second-use American oak

• Oak Influence: Medium – sweet spice and plush mouthfeel

• Sweetness: Dry

• Body: Medium

• Closure: Screw cap

• Cellaring: Drink now or to 2028

Learn about Faber Winery

Faber Vineyard in the Swan Valley is fast becoming one of the region’s most prestigious. 11 acres was planted by John & Jane in 1998-2000 and in 2016-2017. Three quarters of the vines are Shiraz, Verdelho and Brown Muscat, the balance Petit Verdot and Chardonnay.

Faber Vineyard was established in 1997 by John Griffiths and Jane Micallef. “Faber” is derived from the Latin word for “craft.” This name was chosen because they perceive winemaking as an art, a skill that is continuously honed but never truly perfected.

Before settling in the Swan Valley, John Griffiths spent ten years mastering the craft of creating highly enjoyable wines in warm climates. Recognising the Swan Valley’s unique ability to yield delicate, refined white wines, robust red wines with generous flavours and longevity, and sumptuously rich liqueur styles, he was drawn to the region. As he refined his winemaking prowess, he delved into the established grape varieties and wine styles that boasted over a century of development and triumph in the Swan Valley.

The Swan Valley delivers wonderful ripe fruit, warm and concentrated flavours and soft tannins. Faber has structured wines that are flavoursome and drinkable, with the ability to develop and improve in bottle. The approach to winemaking is simple and uncomplicated – starting with outstanding fruit quality, attention to detail, and literally hand making all our wines.

Read the latest Ray Jordan Faber Wine Reviews Here

Swan Valley Wine Region

Historical Roots:

The roots of winemaking in the Swan Valley trace back to the early 19th century when European settlers recognised the region’s potential for viticulture. The Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters, provided an ideal environment for cultivating grapes. Italian and Croatian immigrants, in particular, played a pivotal role in establishing the first vineyards and wineries, introducing their traditional winemaking techniques to the fertile soils of the Swan Valley. The first vines were planted in 1829, making the Swan Valley Australia’s second oldest wine growing region. For the next 150 years, it was WA’s only wine region. And it is still the only wine region in the world, within a 25-minute drive of a major capital city.

Soil and Climate:

The Swan Valley’s terroir is shaped by its unique combination of soils and climate. The soil is predominantly sandy loam, providing excellent drainage for the vines. The warm climate, moderated by the nearby Indian Ocean, creates an optimal grape-growing environment. These factors contribute to the distinct characteristics of Swan Valley wines, marked by bold flavours and a vibrant acidity. Winter generally receives 550-700mm of rain per annum, with the majority falling from June to September. Climate pattens found on the East Coast like El Nino and La Nina have little influence on the region. Instead, winter and spring rain is effected by another climate driver called ‘SAM’ or Southern Annual Mode. Put simply this is the Low Pressure systems that hug Antarctica get pushed further North increasing rain to Southern parts of Western Australia.

You can learn more about this climate driver here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/sam/

Changes Over the Last 50 Years:

The past century has witnessed significant changes in the Swan Valley’s winemaking landscape. Technological advancements, changes in viticultural practices, and evolving consumer preferences have influenced the types of grapes grown and the styles of wine produced. The shift towards sustainable and organic practices is also evident, reflecting a commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Current Trends and Future Directions:

In recent years, Swan Valley wineries have embraced innovation while honouring traditional winemaking techniques. Boutique wineries, in particular, are gaining popularity, offering visitors a more intimate and personalised tasting experience. The region is also witnessing a surge in the production of alternative varieties, catering to a diverse range of palates. As the global wine industry evolves, Swan Valley remains at the forefront of quality and innovation

You can read the latest Swan Valley wine reviews HERE