Ray Jordan – 93 Points

A super year for malbec in Margaret River and this translates into an excellent example of the variety. It’s largely malbec but there are small contributions from cabernet and petit verdot adding colour and structure. Neatly integrated with bright red fruits dominant. Has all the raspberry and spicy chocolate characters you expect. Supported by a chalky tannin profile. Excellent wine.

Learn More About Jilyara

Located in Wadandi Boodja in the South West corner of Western Australia, Jilyara is hidden away in the sub-region of Wilyabrup, in the heart of the famed Margaret River Wine Region. It is a small in size, but big in passion, family owned and run vineyard.

The Jilyara vineyard is planted on ancient gravelly loam soils, typical of those found throughout Margaret River. The native trees and shrubs in Wilyabrup Reserve protect the vineyard from prevailing winds blowing in from the Indian Ocean, while still allowing enough breeze to cool the vineyard on summer afternoons. The vines run north-south on a gentle north-facing slope, enabling sunlight to penetrate from both sides, resulting in even ripening across the vineyard.

The name ‘Jilyara’ is inspired by the abundance of bees in the vineyard, derived from ‘Djilyaro’, meaning ‘bees’ in the local Indigenous Noongar language. Bees play an integral role in the production of great wines. While not necessary for vine pollination, they contribute to maintaining a healthy ecosystem within the vineyard. It’s believed they aid in capfall, leading to improved fruit set, and may even reduce disease prevalence. At Jilyara, we’ve installed four beehives, one at each corner of our property—our own honeycomb corners—helping to ensure the fertility and health of our crops.

Jilyara Wines prides itself on a commitment to sustainable viticulture, with practices aimed at preserving the environment while producing premium quality wines. The vineyard employs minimal intervention methods, allowing the natural characteristics of the fruit and terroir to shine through. This approach is reflected in the wines, which often showcase the vibrant fruit profile and complexity typical of the region.

The focus at Jilyara is not just on varietals like Malbec, but also on creating a sense of place. Each wine aims to capture the essence of Margaret River’s unique climate and soil, resulting in distinct offerings that resonate with both local and international wine lovers. As a small-batch producer, Jilyara maintains a hands-on approach, ensuring that every bottle is crafted with care and attention to detail.

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