The Geographe region is now emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting new wine regions, the region shares several similarities of its terroir with Margaret River but has a slightly hotter climate, leading to typically more powerful, fruit driven styles. Geographe has a long and colourful history of grape growing. It’s an acclaimed wine appellation that was granted the status in 1999. Still young, the appellation has become more attractive for new winemakers since the 2000s. The region is named after Geographe Bay. The bay was initially discovered by French explorer Baudin in 1801, who first explored it with his two ships, the Geographe and the Naturaliste.
Producer
Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realise their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. Through 1997-1998 they planted their first vines in 60ha on the `Marri` soils of the Ferguson Valley which typically host the eucalyptus trees, these are composed of granites, red gravels, and white clay loams, the natural forest groves of these eucalyptus trees have been retained to increase biodiversity throughout the estate. The vineyards are located 25km from the coast and are influenced by the Indian ocean breezes at an elevation of 230-280 meters. 27 years later these vineyards are all run sustainably with solar panels powering the estate and all wastewaters being reused.
Tasting Notes
This Chardonnay is a pure expression of varietal character. 10% of the juice is fermented in new French barrels and the rest in steel, wild fermentations are encouraged. The wine is moved into barriques to build texture, with gentle lees stirring. Vibrant and refreshing in style showing classic white stone fruits and almond blossom on a long and crisp finish.
