Review – Wine Companion

Sometime when tasting a wine I think, why bother writing anything? I want to sit back, relax and drink this. So, I did. OK this is my take: it’s slurpy, full of dark fruits from currants and boysenberries to cherries, doused in baking spices and appealing slightly drying tannins. The acidity tempering the brash fruit sweetness/juiciness across the fuller-bodied palate.

Jane Faulkner

Learn more about Juniper Estate

Juniper Estate is a producer of premium wines in Wilyabrup, the heart of the remote, environmentally pristine Margaret River winegrowing area.

We can order in a Juniper Estate wine we don’t stock, simply email us at info@partnersinwine.com.au

Juniper is a producer of premium wines in Margaret River, the heart of the remote, environmentally pristine winegrowing area lying in the south-west corner of Western Australia, 270km south of Perth. We are fortunate that Margaret River is where it is and, with its maritime influence, ancient soils and beautiful landscape is perfectly suited to the production of great wines.

Juniper’s outlook combines the tenets of heritage, authenticity, and original thinking with a view to producing wines of elegance and sophistication that showcase the best of the Margaret River region. We grow what we make and make what we grow, all from our distinctive vineyards in Wilyabrup and Karridale.

The sites are exciting in their differences, but their farming is united by sustainable and organic practices resulting in the best fruit possible that reflects each vineyard’s idiosyncrasies. Applications of compost from spent marc, sheep manure, and the use of inter-row crops to fix nitrogen are all small examples of how we help sustain the natural balance of our land.

A deep respect for the history of the region, and the pursuit to push boundaries, drives our outlook in creating wines that reflect their time and place. This begins with careful and thorough manual intervention in the vineyard and attentive yet minimal intervention in the winery.

Important to our philosophy is retention of the individuality of each parcel of fruit, with a block-by-block approach to their winemaking. This enables us control in blending, using complementary parcels to preserve the uniqueness and personality of our distinctive Margaret River sites. Oak maturation is used to enhance complexity and contribute to the refinement of the wines.

Read Juniper Wine Reviews HERE

Malbec In Margaret River

Malbec has found a remarkable home in Margaret River, with the first plantings occurring in the late 1960s. The region was largely undeveloped for viticulture until this time, as it was primarily known for its agriculture and timber industries. Pioneering winemakers, including the likes of Dr. John Gladstones, recognised the area’s potential for high-quality wine production due to its favourable climate and soils.

By the 1970s, as the wine industry began to take root, Malbec was among the varieties that were introduced to diversify the region’s offerings. Initially, it was primarily used in blends, particularly with Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrived in Margaret River’s conditions. Over the years, as winemakers gained a deeper understanding of the grape’s characteristics, they began to showcase Malbec as a varietal wine, highlighting its lush fruit, vibrant acidity, and subtle tannins.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a growing recognition of Margaret River as a premium wine region, with Malbec becoming a sought-after variety. Today, the region is home to several wineries that specialise in Malbec, each bringing their unique style and interpretation to the grape. The evolution of Malbec in Margaret River reflects not only the adaptability of the grape but also the innovative spirit of the local winemaking community, which continues to push boundaries and explore the full potential of this exceptional varietal.

One of the key factors contributing to the successful cultivation of Malbec is the region’s moderate maritime climate. The cooling influence of the Indian Ocean helps to maintain balanced temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This extended ripening period enhances the development of complex flavours and aromas, which are characteristic of high-quality Malbec.

The well-drained, gravelly soils in Margaret River also play a crucial role in the growth of Malbec. These soils provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging while retaining enough moisture to sustain the vines during dry periods. This balance allows the vines to develop deep root systems, which can access nutrients and water, ultimately contributing to the wine’s richness and depth. Additionally, the region’s distinct diurnal temperature variation—where cooler nights follow warm days—further aids in preserving acidity while allowing the grapes to develop ripe, concentrated flavours.

Winemakers in Margaret River have embraced Malbec not only for its lush, dark fruit profiles but also for its versatility. The grape often exhibits notes of blackberry, plum, and spice, making it suitable for a range of styles, from bold and structured reds to lighter blends. The innovative approach of local vintners, combined with the ideal growing conditions, has led to the production of exceptional Malbecs that stand out in both domestic and international markets. As the region continues to evolve, Malbec’s presence in Margaret River serves as a testament to the area’s potential for producing outstanding wines.